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TUFTS   UNIVERSITY   LIBRARIES 


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Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinar\/  Medii 
Cumminos  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine 
Tulxs  University 
200  Westboro  Road 

iWorth  Hroff-nn    I\/1A  Hi  COO 


A 


VETERIKARY 


MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY 


IX 


DISEASES  AND    INJURIES 


OF   THE 


HORSE 


COMPILED    FROM    STANDARD    AND    MODERN    AUTHORITIES    AND    EDITED    BY 

F.  O.  KIRBY. 


Illustrated  by  Four  Colored  Plates  and  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-eight  Wood 

Engravings 


NEW  YORK 

WILLIAM    WOOD    &    COMPANY 

1883 


1^5 


CoPTIilGHT 

WILLIAM    WOOD  &  COMPANY 

inaa 


T  BOW'S 
PRINTING  ANO  BOOKBINDING  COMPANY, 


PREFACE. 

This  work  has  been  prepared  with  a  desire  to  jiresent  in  a  concise 
form  a  practical  manual  of  the  diseases  and  injuries  of  the  horse,  and 
their  treatment,  for  the  use  of  practitioners  of  medicine  and  other  in- 
telligent horse  owners.  The  professional  veterinarian  already  has  at 
his  command  several  large  and  excellent  treatises.  These,  however,  de- 
vote considerable  space  to  the  consideration  of  subjects  familiar  to  the 
student  of  medicine,  and  unnecessary  to  the  non-professional  reader. 
Physiology  and  pathology  are,  therefore,  seldom  referred  to  in  the  pres- 
ent work. 

OriginaHty  is  not  claimed  for  this  hand-book,  although  many  prac- 
tical ideas,  the  result  of  sixteen  years'  experience  in  the  ownership  and 
consequent  care  of  horses  have  been  incorporated  in  its  pages.  It  would 
have  been  a  more  agreeable  task  to  rewrite  it  entirely,  but  the  time  re- 
quisite for  such  an  undertaking  was  not  available,  and  it  has  been  neces- 
sary to  make  free  use  of  the  work  of  others. 

The  recent  treatise  of  General  Fitzwygram  on  Horses  and  Stables 
has  been  taken  as  a  basis,  and  quoted  from  verbatim  to  a  large  extent. 
Similar  copious  extracts  have  been  made  from  the  works  of  Prof.  Wil- 
liams on  Yeterinary  Medicine  and  Surgery,  and  from  the  still  later  trea- 
tise on  Equine  Medicine  by  Prof.  Wm.  Robinson. 

The  editor  desires  to  acknowledge  his  indebtedness  also  to  the 
works  of  Percivall,  Gamgee,  Hayes,  Youatt,  Mayhew,  Dun,  Walsh, 
Blain,  Tuson,  Armitage  and  others,  to  the  Yeterinary  Journal^  to 
D'Arboval's  Dictionnaire  de  Medecine  Yeterinaire,  etc.,  all  of  which 
have  been  freely  drawn  from,  especially  for  methods  of  treatment. 

The  compiler  is  conscious  that  there  are  many  imperfections  in  his 
work,  but  believes,  nevertheless,  that  it  will  b3  found  better  fitted  for 
the  purpose  for  which  it  has  been  prepared  than  any  heretofore  pub- 
lished. 

New  York,  November  1st,  1883. 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  I. 


SKELETON  OF  THE  HORSE. 


CJ^^  This  figure  is  arawn  from  the  skeleton  of  the  famous  race  horse 
Eclipse,  and  is  considered  by  Professors  Gamgee  and  Law,  from  whose 
work  on  veterinary  anatomy  it  is  copied,  as  anatomically  perfect. 


1.  Zygomatic  arch. 

24. 

2.  Orbital  cavity. 

25. 

3.  Eace  bones. 

26. 

4.  Incisor  teeth. 

27. 

5,  Molar  teeth. 

6.  Lower  jaw. 

28. 

7.  Atlas,  1st  vertebra  of  neck. 

29. 

8.  Axis,  2d  vertebra  of  neck. 

30. 

9.  Cervical  vertebrae  (5). 

3L 

10.  Spinal  processes  of  back. 

32. 

11.  Dorsal  and  lumbar  vertebrse. 

33. 

12.  Sacrum. 

34. 

13.  Coccygeal  or  tail  bones. 

14.  Scapula,  or  shoulder  blade. 

35. 

15.  Acromion  process. 

36. 

16.  Hollow  of  shoulder  blade. 

37. 

17.  Superior  tuberosity  of  the  hu- 

38. 

merus. 

39. 

18.  Humerus,  or  arm  bone. 

40. 

19.  Olecranon,  or  elbow  bone. 

41. 

20.  Cartilages  of  the  ribs. 

42. 

21.  Eibs. 

43. 

22.  Haunch,  the  external  and  ante- 

44. 

rior  angle  of  the  ilium. 

45. 

23.  Os    innominatum,    or  Haunch 

bone. 

Great  trochanter. 
Small  trochanter. 
Femur,  or  thigh  bone. 
Ischium,  posterior  angle  of  the 

ilium. 
Eadius,  or  fore-arm  bone. 
Carpal  or  knee  bones. 
Trapezium. 

Metacarpal,  or  Cannon  bone. 
Os  suffraginis,  or  pastern  bone. 
Sesamoid  bone. 
Os  coronas,   or   small  pastern 

bone. 
Superior  tuberosity  of  the  tibia. 
Stifle  joint. 
Tibia,  or  leg  bone. 
Os  calcis,  or  point  of  hock. 
Tarsus,  or  Hock  joint. 
Head  of  small  metatarsal  bone. 
Cannon,  or  metatarsal  bone. 
Hoof,  or  foot  bone. 
Fetlock  joint. 
Patella. 
Fibula. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


EERATA, 


Page  7G._Magenclie\s  Solution  of  Morphine   3  x  1.  should  be  TT.  x  1 
Page  77.-Tincture  of  Chloride  of  Iron    3  j.  should  be   3j 


of  the  Pleura,  Asthma,  Broken  Wind,  Heaves,  Thick  Wind,  Roaring, 
Highblowing,  Whistling,  Grunting. 

CHAPTER  HI. 

Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs 83 

Lampas,  Choking,  Indigestion,  Gorging,  Grain  Founder,  Gastric  Impac- 
tion. Gorged  Stomach,  Impaction  of  the  Stomach,  Dyspepsia,  Chronic 
Indigestion,  Gastritis,  Inflammation  of  the  Stomach,  Rupture  of  the 
Stomach,  Constipation,  Spasmodic  Colic,  Gripes,  Belly  Ache,  Flatulent 
Colic,  Windy  Colic,  Tympanites,  Swollen  Belly,  Inflammation  of  the  In- 
testines, Enteritis,  Superpurgation,  Diarrhoea,  Bots,  Worms. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Diseases  op  the  Brain  and  Nervous  System 103 

Encephalitis,  Phrenitis,  Mad  Staggers,  Blind  Staggers,  Sleepy  Staggers, 
Coma,  Stomach  Staggers,  Brain  Fever,  Megrims,  Vertigo,  Giddiness, 
Apoplexy,    Chorea,  Stringhalt,    Tetanus,  Trismus,   Lockjaw,    Paralysis, 


VI  TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Palsy,  Paraplegia,  Hydrophobia,  Rabies,  Epizootic  Cerebro-Spinal  Menni- 
gitis.  Spotted  Fever,  Putrid  Fever,  Cold  Plague,  Sunstroke. 

CHAPTER  V. 

Diseases  of  the  Eye 123 

The  Membrana  nictitans,  Simple  Ophthalmia,  Conjunctivitis,  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  Conjunctiva,  Specific  Ophthalmia,  Periodic  Ophthalmia,  Moon 
Blindness,  Cataract,  Lenticular  Cataract,  Capsular  Cataract,  Interstitial 
Cataract,  Spurious  Cataract,  Amaurosis,  Glass  Eye,  Gutta  Serena,  Glau- 
coma, Lacerations  of  the  Eyelids,  Disease  of  the  Lachrymal  Passages, 
Foreign  Bodies  in  the  Eye,  Worms  in  the  Eye. 

CHAPTER   VI. 

Diseases  of  the  Liver 135 

Congestion  of  the  Liver,  Hepatitis,  Cirrhosis,  Atrophy,  Hypertrophy, 
Jaundice,  The  Yellows,  Icterus. 

CHAPTER  VTI. 

Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs 141 

Nephritis,  Inflammation  of  the  kidneys.  Cystitis,  Inflammation  of  the 
bladder.  Diabetes,  Profuse  staleing,  Strangury,  Retention  of  urine.  Bala- 
nitis, Inflammation  of  the  Penis  and  Sheath,  Azoturia,  Black  water, 
Nymphomania,  Bloody  urine.  Phimosis,  Paraphimosis. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Diseases  of  the  Skin 155 

Cracked  Heels,  Scratches,  Acne,  Warbles,  Slight  Tumors,  Sitfasts,  Ery- 
thema, Mud  Fever,  Urticaria,  Nettle  Rash,  Surfeit,  Scabies,  Mange,  Itch, 
Scab,  Prurigo,  Pruritus,  Surfeit,  Ringworm,  Herpes  Circinatus,  Tinea 
tonsurans.  Warts,  Eczema,  Eczema  Simplex,  Mallenders,  Sallenders, 
Humid  Tetter,  Lichen  or  Rat-tails,  Eczema  Pustulosum,  Grease, 
Psoriasis. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Diseases  and  Injuries  of  the  Legs 175 

Spavin,  Bone  Spavin,  Varix,  Bog  Spavin,  Blood  Spavin,  Broken  Knees, 
Curb,  Sprung  Hock,  Capped  Hock,  Capped  Elbow,  Thorough-Pin,  Splint, 
Sore  Shins,  Ring  Bone,  Stiff  Joint,  Anchylosis,  Open  Joint,  Windgalls, 
Brushing,  Interfering,  Speedy  Cut,  Slioulder  Slip,  Sprain  of  the  Flexor 
Brachii,  Sprain  of  the  Back  Sinews,  Stifle  Joint  Lameness.  Sprain  of  the 
Fetlock  Joint,  Sprain  of  the  Suspensory  Ligament,  Stocking,  Swelled 
Legs,  CE  lema  of  the  Legs,  Lymphangitis,  Weed,  Inflammatory  CEdema, 
Elephantiasis. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  Vli 


CHAPTER   X. 

Diseases  of  the  Feet 233 

Prick  of  the  Foot,  Picking  up  Nails,  Puncture  of  the  Frog  and  Sole,  Corns, 
Quittor,  Sandcracks,  False  Quarter,  Seedy  Toe,  Thrush,  Frush,  Canker, 
Navicular  Disease,  Laminitis,  Founder,  Inflammation  of  the  Feet,  Side- 
bones,  Villitis,  Inflammation  of  the  Coronet,  Carbuncle  of  Coronet, 
Tread,  Overreach. 

CHAPTER    XL 

General,  Contagious,  and  Enzootic  Diseases 31.3 

Influenza,  Pink  Eye,  Catarrhal  Fever,  Epizootic  Catarrh,  Horse  Distem- 
per, Horse  Sickness,  Febris  Pyogenica,  Colt  Distemper,  Colt  111,  Strangles, 
Glanders,  Farcy,  Equina,  Erysipelas,  Purpura  Hemorrhagica,  Spotted 
Fever,  Scarlatina,  Scarlet  Fever,  Rheumatism,  Dropsy,  Ascites,  CEdema, 
Hydrothorax. 

CHAPTER   XII. 

Flesh  Wounds 283 

Incised  wounds,  Lacerated  wounds,  Punctured  wounds.  Contused  wounds, 
"Wounds  of  the  abdomen,  Frostbite,  Burns,  Scalds,  Poisoned  wounds, 
The  Stings  of  Insects,  The  Poison  of  Snakes,  Acids  and  Alkalies. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Ulcers  and  Fistul.is 299 

Ulcers,  Poll-evil,  Fistulous  Withers,  Saddle  and  Harness  Galls. 

CHAPTER   XIV. 

Age,  as  Indicated  by  the  Teeth G05 

Structural  alterations.  Back  Teeth,  or  Molars  or  Grinders,  Anterior  teeth 
or  Incisors,  Distinction  between  the  Temporary  and  Permanent  Incisors, 
Temporary  or  Milk  Incisors,  Development  of  the  Permanent  Teeth,  The 
Mark.  Parrot  Moutli,  Bishop-ing,  The  Fang-hole  or  Secondary  Mark, 
Fui-ther  changes  indicating  the  Age,  Lateral  breadth.  Triangularity, 
Length,  Slope,  Loss  of  circularity  in  form  of  the  jaw,  etc..  The  Tusks, 
ColJateral  circumstances  to  be  taken  into  consideration. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

PosoLOGiCAL  Table  for  the  Horse 333 

With  the  Action  of  the  Medicinal  Substances. 


M  ANITA  L 


OF 


VETERINARY  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


CHAPTER  I. 
INTEODUCTION. 


Nursing,  Loose  Box,  Blankets,  Fresh  Water,  Appetite,  Delicate  Feeders,  Mashes, 
Mangers,  Hand-rubbing,  Beds,  Fomentations,  Cold-water  Bathing,  Giving  a 
Ball,  To  give  a  Drench,  Injections  into  the  Nostrils,  Enemas,  Disinfectants, 
Deodorizers,  Steaming,  Poultices,  Powders,  Electuaries,  Blisters,  Bleeding, 
Firing,  Setons,  Bandages,  Sutures,  Slings,  Twitch-ups,  Holding  up  a  fore-foot, 
Side  lines.  Throwing  or  Casting. 

NURSING. 

Whilst  there  is  no  real  difficulty  in  giving  medicines  to  most  horses, 
and  in  carrying  out  the  directions  to  be  found  in  treatises  on  veterinary 
medicine,  there  is  nevertheless  a  knack  in  many  of  the  practical  opera- 
tions which  is  only  to  be  acquired  by  experience — so  that  no  one  should 
be  discouraged  by  his  awkwardness  at  first,  but  bear  in  mind  that  gentle- 
ness, firmness,  and  patience  will  enable  the  operator  to  accomplish  his  pur- 
pose easily  with  all  but  the  most  high-strung  and  vicious  animals.  Horses 
vary  greatly  in  disposition;  some  can  be  manipulated  in  almost  any  man- 
ner without  the  slightest  resistance,  others  resist  any  unaccustomed 
handling,  and  some  require  the  experience  and  skill  of  the  professed  vete- 
rinarian for  medical  or  surgical  treatment. 

The  first  requisite  for  a  sick  horse  is  pure  fresh  air,  avoiding  always 
draughts  from  any  direction.  If  much  sick,  a  loose  box,  as  it  is  called,  is 
very  essential,  as  it  allows  the  animal  more  room  to  move  about  and  as- 
sume whatever  position  is  most  restful  to  him. 

A  Loose  Box  should  not  be  less  than  ten  feet  square  and  should  have 
a  low  half  door,  over  which  the  sick  horse  can  droop  his  head  if  so  in- 
clined.    The  box  should  be  in  a  quiet  part  of  the  stable,  removed  if  pos- 


10  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

sible  from  the  other  horses,  and  so  situated  as  to  the  windows  that  it  can 
be  darkened,  if  desired,  for  liorses  with  disorders  of  the  nervous  system 
and  eye  troubles.  The  floor  should  be  liberally  covered  with  fresh  clean 
straw,  or  saw  dust;  keep  the  floor  of  the  box  clean,  but  do  not  wash  it 
while  in  use.  A  loose  box  used  for  sick  animals  should  be  frequently 
and  thoroughly  whitewashed. 

Blankets  and  other  clothing  upon  sick  horses  should  be  loosely 
fastened  on;  if  a  surcingle  is  used,  let  it  be  quite  slack.  Shake  and  air  the 
clothing  once  or  twice  a  day,  but  do  not  let  the  horse  stand  uncovered 
for  any  length  of  time,  nor  at  all  unless  he  is  likely  to  be  benefited  by  it. 

A  seriously  sick  horse  should  have  all  his  shoes  removed,  as  it  will 
give  him  comfort  and  ease. 

Fresh  Water  should  be  constantly  within  reach;  especially  when 
fever  is  present,  the  horse  will  frequently  sip  at  it. 

Hard  water,  which  contains  an  excess  of  saline  and  mineral  substances, 
does  not  as  a  general  rule  agree  as  well  with  horses  as  soft  water,  such 
as  that  obtained  from  a  river  or  pond.  It  is  apt  to  prod  ace  irritation  of 
the  bowels  and,  as  a  secondary  effect,  a  staring  coat. 

The  salts  contained  in  hard  water  may  be  in  a  great  degree  precipi- 
tated by  boiling,  and  most  waters  become  softer  by  being  exposed  to  the 
air. 

Any  sudden  change  in  the  kind  of  water  supplied  to  horses  is  apt  to 
cause  derangement  and  even  irritation  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the 
bowels,  especially  a  change  from  soft  to  hard  water.  Hence  if  the  water 
is  very  hard,  it  should  be  boiled  before  being  given  to  valuable  horses, 
particularly  if  they  are  not  accustomed  to  it. 

Eain  or  other  soft  water  stored  in  tanks  soon  becomes  full  of  decom- 
posing vegetable  matter  in  hot  weather. 

To  horses  predisposed  to  scour,  water  should  be  given  frequently  and  in 
reduced  quantities,  and  in  winter  the  chill  should  be  taken  off  by  mixing 
it  with  a  very  little  warm  water.  Perhaps  the  best  plan  is  to  leave  water 
always  before  such  horses,  because  when  so  supplied  they  drink  less  than 
when  watered  at  intervals.  A  diminished  quantity  of  water  taken  into 
the  system,  by  lessening  the  secretions  of  the  intestines,  decreases  the 
tendency  to  purgation. 

If  reduction  of  the  quantity  of  water  does  not  produce  tlie  desired 
effect,  it  may  be  mixed  with  a  little  wheat  flour,  which  has  a  slight  as- 
tringent effect  on  the  bowels.     If  further  measures  are  needed,  boiled 


INTRODUCTION.  1 1 

linseed  or  some  sucli  demulcent  should  be  mixed  with  the  oats;  and  it  is 
as  well  to  bruise  the  oats,  because  their  ends  are  liable  to  cause  irritation 
on  an  over-sensitive  intestinal  lining.  Horses  disposed  to  scour  should 
be  stinted  of  their  water  before  going  to  work.  Some  horses  will  scour 
unless  a  little  hay  is  given  to  them  in  the  morning  before  they  are 
watered. 

The  sense  of  smell,  always  acute  in  horses,  is  greatly  increased  in  most 
diseases.  Medicines  which  have  strong  smells  cannot  therefore  be  com- 
monly administered  in  drinking  water  or  mashes.  Most  horses  will  refuse 
them. 

The  Appetite  of  a  sick  horse  is  often  very  capricious,  and  during  the 
height  of  a  fever  is  generally  entirely  lost.  It  is  of  no  use  to  try  to  force 
it  to  eat;  place  a  variety  of  food  before  it  and  in  small  quantities  at  a 
time,  always  removing  whatever  is  left,  before  placing  another  portion 
before  it.  This  should  be  particularly  seen  to  in  the  case  of  mashes  or 
wetted  food  of  any  kind,  which  is  sure  to  become  sour  and  offensive, 
even  to  a  well  horse. 

Delicate  Feeders. — Both  care  and  skill  are  needed  in  regulating 
the  diet  and  tempting  the  appetite  of  delicate  feeders.  Some  will  reject 
their  food  altogether,  if  it  is  given  them  in  large  quantities;  whilst 
they  will  eat  it,  if  only  a  small  quantity  is  offered  at  a  time.  Others 
again  will  not  feed,  unless  they  are  allowed  frequently  to  moisten  their 
mouths  with  water,  whilst  eating.  Water  should  be  kept  constantly  be- 
fore such  animals.  Others  again,  apparently  of  a  nervous  or  timid  dis- 
position, will  not  feed,  unless  there  is  a  spare  stall  between  them  and  the 
next  horse.  Many  horses  feed  very  slowly,  and  are  consequently  robbed, 
when  possible,  of  half  their  food  by  their  more  voracious  neighbors.  A 
little  linseed  boiled  to  a  jelly  and  mixed  with  the  oats  will  induce 
others  to  eat  more  freely.  Hay  slightly  damped  and  sprinkled  with 
salt  is  palatable  to  some  horses,  who  will  reject  it  when  dry.  A  pretty 
frequent  change  of  food  is  acceptable  to  some  delicate  feeders.  A  little 
wet  bran  with  the  oats  is  grateful  for  a  time  to  some  horses.  Some 
horses  seem  to  tire  of  oats  and  Avill  take  half  a  day  to  eat  four  quarts; 
such  will  often  relish  and  consume  at  once  the  same  quantity  of  fine 
feed.     For  others  carrots  or  green  foliage  may  be  substituted  for  hay. 

Tonics  no  doubt  increase  the  appetite,  but  should  be  administered 
always  with  discretion. 

Mashes  are  exceedingly  useful  in  feeding  sick  horses,  but  they  should 


12  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY, 

always  be  quite  moderate  in  quantity,  and  carefully  prepared.  The  pail 
in  which  it  is  made  is  the  best  to  feed  it  from,  for  if  poured  into  the 
manger,  it  will  sour  and  contaminate  everything  afterwards  placed  in  the 
same  receptacle. 

To  prepare  a  bran  mash,  place  two  quarts  good  bran  into  a  pail,  and 
pour  boiling  water  over  it,  mix  thoroughly  with  a  stick,  and  let  it  stand 
until  cool  enough  to  use. 

Bread  mash  is  made  by  soaking  a  loaf  of  bread,  broken  up,  in  fresh 
milk  until  it  is  thoroughly  saturated,  and  can  be  reduced  to  a  pulp;  add 
a  little  salt. 

Linseed  mash  is  made  by  boiling  a  half  pound  of  flaxseed  (not  ground) 
in  two  quarts  of  water  until  it  is  reduced  to  about  three  pints.  Pour  this 
over  bran  instead  of  water  and  mix. 

Mangers. — A  horse  with  a  free  discharge  from  the  nostrils  should, 
as  a  general  rule,  be  fed  from  a  temporary  manger  or  bucket  jilaced  near 
the  ground,  as  the  depending  position  of  the  head,  whilst  the  animal  is 
feeding,  will  facilitate  the  discharge.  A  wheelbarrow  will  serve  very  well, 
as  a  make-shift  for  this  purpose.  But  where  the  patient  shows  signs  of 
lieadache,  as  is  often  the  case  especially  in  feverish  attacks,  this  jjosition, 
Avhich  would  determine  more  blood  to  the  head,  is  very  undesirable. 
Steaming  the  head  is  very  beneficial  in  catarrhal  affections. 

When  a  horse  has  a  discharge  of  a  suspicious  character  as  to  its  nature, 
he  should  be  tied  up  suffiijiuntly  to  prevent  his  throwing  it  about  all  parts 
of  the  walls  of  the  box. 

Hand-rubbing  of  the  legs  is  very  useful  in  relieving  any  little 
fulness  arising  from  over- work  or  in  other  cases  from  the  absence  of 
proper  exercise.  The  jiressure  and  friction  thereby  given  excites  the 
blood-vessels  and  absorbents  to  increased  action. 

A  good  bed  is  essential  to  comfort.  Fresh  clean  straw  certainly 
looks  nicest,  and  has  undoubtedly  the  advantages  of  cleanliness  and 
sweetness;  but  many  practical  men  prefer  a  bed  made  of  old  straw  litter 
collected,  but  of  course  carefully  cleaned  and  dried.  It  makes  a  softer, 
firmer,  and  more  substantial  bed;  while  on  the  other  liand  the  long  hard 
ends  of  the  new  straws,  especially  Avheat,  are  apt  to  irritate  and  annoy  a 
weakly  and  sensitive  patient. 

Fomentations,  to  be  really  useful,  should  be  continued  for  at  least 
one  or  two  hours  at  a  time.  The  temperature  of  the  water  should  not 
exceed  106°,  or  hardly  as  hot  as  the  hand  can  comfortably  bear.     The 


INTKODUCTION. 


13 


temperature  must  be  kept  up  to  this  point  by  the  frequent  addition  cf 
small  quantities  of  hot  water.  The  sponge  or  swab  should  not  be  allowed 
to  touch  the  parts  affected,  but  should  be  applied  higher  up,  so  that  the 
water  only  may  trickle  down  over  the  inflamed  or  injured  surface.  Fig,  1. 
When  the  fomentation  is  discontinued,  the  parts  should  be  loosely  covered 
with  flannel  in  order  to  obviate  the  risk  of  a  chill.  If  flannel  is  not 
available,  or  the  part  is  so  situated  that  it  cannot  be  conveniently  ap- 


FlQ.  1. 

Fomenting  a  wounded  leg. 


plied,  ammonia  liniment,  in  cases  where  there  is  no  abrasion  of  the  skin, 
may  be  lightly  rubbed  on. 

When  servants  cannot  be  spai'ed  for  the  tedious  Avork  of  fomenting,  a 
fair  substitute  will  be  found  in  wrapping  the  part  round  with  thick 
wollen  stuff  covered  with  rubber  cloth,  which  will  long  retain  both  heat 
and  moisture. 

The  leg  below  tlie  knee  may  be  conveniently  fomented  by  putting  it 
in  a  deep  bucket  of  warm  water.  In  all  large  establishments  it  is  well 
worth  while  to  get  a  bucket  made  half  as  deep  again  as  usual  for  this 
especial  purpose,  Fig.  2.  The  water  in  such  cases  may  require  to  be  put 
in  after  the  horse's  lesr  is  in  the  bucket. 


14 


VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 


In  most  cases  three  or  four  fomentations  in  the  course  of  the  twenty- 
four  hours  are  sufficient. 

Cold-water  Bathing  of  the  Legs  is  in  many  cases  very  beneficial. 
The  cold  gives  tone  to  and  braces  up  the  structures,  which  may  have  be- 
come weak  or  deficient  in  vital  energy.  The  value  of  cold  as  a  tonic  has 
not  been  sufficiently  appreciated  in  such  cases. 

A  very  convenient  india-rubber  apparatus  is  made  for  the  pur- 
pose of  bringing  a  constant  stream  or  trickling  of 
cold  water  on  any  part  which  may  require  such 
treatment. 

After  each  application  the  part  should  be  thor- 
oughly dried  and  wrapped  in  a  cotton  bandage. 
The  cold  application  under  ordinary  circumstances 
may  be  repeated  three  times,  but  not  oftener,  during 
the  day. 

Gentle  Haud-rubbing  of  the  Skin  and  also 
sponging  of  the  nostrils  and  dock  with  weak  vinegar 
and  water  are  generally  refreshing  to  sick  animals. 

The  sheath  should  always  be  carefully  cleaned  at 
the  outset  of  any  serious  illness,  and  tliis  operation 
should  be  repeated,  if  the  case  is  prolonged. 
Gfiving  a  Ball  requires  for  its  successful  performance  a  knack 
which  may  be  learned  by  carefully  observing  Gamgee's  directions,  as  fol- 
lows, viz.: — Istly,  Turn  the  horse  from  his  manger,  with  a  halter  on, 
held  by  a  groom  or  assistant.  Attempting  to  give  a  ball  to  a  horse  tied 
up  in  a  stall  has  before  this  proved  a  fatal  experiment  to  the  operator. 
2dly,  It  is  extremely  dangerous  to  resort  to  twitching  with  awkward 
horses,  as  our  power  in  keeping  the  mouth  open  depends  on  the  moderate 
stretch  on  tlie  tongue,  which  is  not  felt  or  cared  for  by  a  horse  severely 
punished  with  a  twitch  on  his  ear.  3dly,  Stand  on  the  off  side  of  the 
horse's  head,  with  a  towel  in  the  left  hand  to  wipe  the  mouth,  should 
there  be,  as  in  some  cases,  an  excessive  amount  of,  secretion  to  interfere 
with  holding  the  tongue;  the  left  hand  is  placed  on  the  horse's  crest, 
whilst  the  right  is  introduced  into  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  the  tongue  is 
seized  gently,  wiped  if  necessary,  grasped  with  the  left  hand  as  in  Fig. 
3,  and  drawn  downwards.  Some  persons  introduce  the  left  hand  so  as 
to  compress  the  tongue  against  the  left  side  of  the  lower  jaw,  bringing  it 
between  the  molar  teeth  on  that  side;  and  others  drag  the  tongue  out  of 


Fig.  3. 

Tub  for  soaking  the  foot 
and  lower  leg  in  warm 
water. 


INTRODUCTION. 


15 


the  mouth,  and  hold  it  firmly.  It  is  extremely  important  to  hold 
it  so  that,  in  any  movement  the  horse  may  make,  there  is  a  point 
of  support  for  the   hand   against    the    lower  jaw.      Pulling    on   the 


Fig.  3. 
Method  of  holding  tongue  in  giving  a  ball. 


tongue  may  give  unnecessary  pain,  make  a  horse  restless,  and  in  tossing 
his  head  about,  the  organ  may  be  severely  lacerated.     4thly,  The  ball. 


Fig.  4. 
Showing  correct  way  of  holding  a  ball. 


which  has  been  ready  all  the  time  in  the  assistant's  hands,  or  in  the 
waistcoat-pocket,  or  grasped  by  the  lips  of  the  operator,  is  seized  as  in 


16  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Fig.  4,  and,  avoiding  unnecessary  bustle  and  hurry,  it  is  carried  up  the 
middle  of  the  mouth  and  dropped  on  the  back  of  the  tongue;  at  the 
same  instant  the  tongue  is  quietly  let  loose,  and  as  the  horse  draws  it 
back,  the  ball  is  engaged  in  the  pharynx,  whence  it  cannot  return  unless 
by  a  fit  of  coughing;  as  soon  as  the  hands  are  withdrawn,  the  mouth  is 
kept  closed,  and  the  left  side  of  the  neck  watched  to  see  the  ball  pass 
down  the  oesophagus;  this  may  occur  before  looking  round  to  the  neck, 
so  that,  after  waiting  a  little,  if  the  ball  be  not  seen,  the  horse  should  be 
caiised  to  drink  a  little  water.  The  practice  of  giving  a  little  water  to 
drink  after  giving  a  ball  should  always  be  adhered  to,  as  it  is  disagreeable 
to  leave  an  animal,  and  when  the  operator's  back  is  turned,  the  ball  be 
coughed  into  the  manger;  moreover,  in  morbid  conditions  of  the  system, 
and  in  the  unnatural  manner  in  which  the  bolus  is  swallowed,  the  pas- 
sages are  not  well  lubricated,  and  the  ball  may  be  some  time  before  it 
penetrates  the  cardiac  orifice. 

With  vicious  horses,  horses  with  narrow  mouths,  and  in  cases  of  tris- 
mus, when  balls  are  to  be  given,  instruments  should  be  used.  Balling 
irons,  to  prevent  the  closure  of  the  mouth,  have  been  constructed  of 
various  kinds;  the  simplest,  represented  by  Fig.  5,  is  made  of  malleable 


Fig.  5. 
Usual  form  of  balling  iron. 

iron,  and  is  adapted  to  the  average  size  of  a  horse's  mouth.  Other  and 
more  perfect  forms  are  represented  by  Fig.  6  and  Fig.  7.  Perhaps  the 
most  useful  is  Mr.  Varnell's  improved  balling  iron,  which  may  prove 
serviceable  in  cases  where  with  difficulty  a  horse  is  made  to  open  his 
mouth  as  wide  as  it  is  desirable,  and  if,  instead  of  giving  balls,  the  teeth 
and  other  parts  of  the  mouth  have  to  be  examined  and  operated  on. 
These  can  be  had  of  a  surgical  instrument-maker  in  any  large  city. 

The  usual  and  old-time  method  of  making  a  ball  i?  to  mix  up  the 


INTRODUCTION. 


IT 


ingredients  with  a  little  honey  or  molasses  to  form  a  stiff  dough,  adding, 
if  necessary,  sufficient  linseed  meal  or  bran  to  give  it  the  proper  size, 


Fia.  6. 
French  balling  iron . 


Fig.  r. 
Varnell's  balling  iron. 


whicli  is  commonly  about  that  of  a  man's  thumb.    The  gelatine  capsules, 
now  to  be  had  in  most  drug  stores,  are,  however,  much  nicer  in  every 


PLANTEN'S 
HORSE  (BALL)  CAPSULE, 


Fig.  8. 
Gelatine  capules  for  veterinary  use. 

way,  and  those  having  many  norses  ..o  care  for  would  do  well  to  keep  a 

supply  of  them  on  hand,  Fig.  8. 

To  /?ive  a  Drench,  it  is  preferable  to  have  the  horn  made  specially 
2 


18 


VETEKINARY    MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 


for  the  purpose  (Fig.  9);   but  in  its  absence  a   soda-water  bottle  will 
answer  fairly  well.     Gamgee's  rules  are: — Istly,  Hold  tlie  horse's  head  up 


Fig.  9 
A  drenching  horn. 

at  a  moderate  height,  so  that  the  line  of  the  face  is  horizontal.  2dly, 
Secure  the  tongue  to  prevent  the  lapping  out  of  the  liquid,  but  allow  of 
sufficient  movement  of  lips,  tongue,  cheeks,  and  jaws,  so  as  not  to  inter- 
fere with  the  first  act  of  swallowing.  To  draw  the  tongue  forcibly  out- 
wards is  very  injudicious,  as  if  the  tongue  be  stretched  it  does  not  aid  in 
pressing  back  the  fluid,  which  gravitates  as  the  tongue  is  pulled  upon. 


Fig.  10. 
Gamgee's  method  of  holding  a  horse's  head,  to  give  a  drench. 

and  the  larynx  and  pharynx  advance; — the  animal  may  thus  be  choked. 
3dly,  If  an  animal  makes  an  effort  to  cough,  rather  lose  the  draught 
than  risk  the  danger  of  suffocation,  which  so  readily  occurs  if  fluid  be 
suddenly  thrown  over  the  tongue.     4thly,  Entice  efforts  of  deglutition. 


INTRODUCTION. 


19 


should  the  horse  obstinately  and  artfully  retain  the  liquid  in  his  mouth, 
Tliis  is  effected  by  maniijulating  the  throat,  and  exerting  pressure  in  the 
intermaxillary  space. 

The  methods  of  holding  horses  during  the  exhibition  of  a  draught 
are  various,  but  the  most  important  ones  are  three.  In  the  first  place, 
by  ropes  and  pulleys  a  horse's  head  is  pulled  up  from  a  beam  or  other 
high  object  in  a  stable  or  shed.  This  is  very  objectionable,  esjDecially  in 
a  vicious  horse;  and  we  have  never  found  it  to  answer  better  than  the 
second  manner  of  introducing  a  rope-noose  over  the  upper  jaw.  This 
noose  is  attached  to  a  stick;  or  slipped  over  a  stable-fork  prong,  Fig.  10; 
and  a  man  can  then  hold  up  the  head  of  the  heaviest  horse  and  follow 
him  in  his  movements.  It  requires  management.  I  do  not  like  the 
fork,  as  it  is  a  dangerous  instrument,  and  prefer  an  ordinary  twitch.  In 
Fig.  11,  the  third  manner  of  holding  a  horse's  head  up  and  exhibiting  a 


Fig.  11. 
Another  method  for  giving  a  drench. 


drench  is  represented.  It  is  the  most  simple  and  useful  method.  It 
only  requires  one  person,  who  holds  the  tongue,  places  his  thumb  round 
the  lower  jaw,  and  witli  his  fingers  causes  the  horse  to  open  his  mouth 
whilst  the  draught  is  poured  out  of  the  horn  with  the  right  hand. 


20 


VETEKINAKY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGEKY. 


Appliations  to  the  Schneiderian  membrane  can  best  be  made  by  the 
use  of  Eey's  tube.  Fig.  12. 

The  long  arm  of  the  tube  is  fifteen  inches  in  length, 
and  one  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter,  expanding  and 
funnel-shaped  above,  where  the  broadest  part  is  two 
inches  wide.  The  short  arm  is  five  inches  in  length, 
and  the  aperture  two-thirds  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 
Over  the  short  arm  is  passed  a  closely-fitting  leather 
ring,  four  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter.  This  serves 
as  the  surface  over  which,  and  round  the  short  arm, 
wet  tow  may  be  adapted,  so  that,  on  introducing  the 
small  tube  in  the  nostril,  the  latter  is  compressed  care- 
fully on  to  the  tow;  at  the  same  time  fluid  is  poured 
into  the  funnel,  and  rises  in  the  nasal  chamber.  If 
the  horse's  head  be  bent  in  and  held  as  much  as  possible 
in  a  perpendicular  position,  the  lotion  will  pass  out  at 
the  opposite  nostril.  There  is  sometimes  alitle  difficulty 
in  performing  this  operation  with  awkward  horses,  but 
by  quiet  means  they  may  be  accustomed  to  the  opera- 
tion. Some  persons  advocate  twitching;  occasionally  the  ear  may  be 
twitched;  the  animals  sometimes  require  to  be  blindfolded,  but  at  others 
it  is  best  to  let  them  see  what  is  being  done;  and  most  frequently  not 
the  slightest  trouble  attends  the  injection.  It  is  an  invaluable  method 
of  using  remedies  in  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  nose. 

Injections. — A  number  of  instruments  have  been  constructed  with  a 
view  to  force  fluids  into  the  intestines  of  man  and  animals.  The  false 
notion  has  been  acted  on,  that  enema  syringes  or  pumps  are  valuable  in 
proportion  to  the  force  with  which  they  will  projDcl  liquids  into  the  in- 
testinal tube.  It  has  been  said,  that  by  that  means  you  overcome  obstruc- 
tions, and  may  even  under  other  circumstances  carry  nutritive  fluids  into 
the  caecum,  Avliere  they  will  be  absorbed. 

The  best  instrument  to  use  for  enemas  in  the  horse  is  Gamgee's  funnel. 
Fig.  13.  It  consists  of  a  straight  metallic  tube  twelve  inches  long,  tapered 
and  rounded  off  at  one  end,  bent  at  a  right  angle  at  the  opposite  extrem- 
ity, Avhicli  supports  a  broad  funnel  about  six  inches  deep,  and  seven  in  its 
greatest  diameter.  The  funnel  need  not  be  so  large.  In  using  this  in- 
strument, its  extremity  requires  to  be  oiled  before  introduction  into  the 
rectum;  so  soon  as  this  is  effected,  the  fluid — water,  with  a  little  oil,  is 


INTRODUCTION. 


21 


preferable — is  poured  into  the  funnel.  Experience  proves  that  ^o  pump- 
ing force  is  required  to  inject  fluid  into  the  intestines,  the  effect  of  gra- 
vitation fulfilling  the  same  purpose  in  a  much  more  simple  manner.  As 
the  fluid  from  the  funnel  gi-avitates  into  the  rectum,  bubbles  of  gas  escape; 
the  action  of  the  gut,  thus  mildly  stimulated,  continues  until,  with  the 
repetition  of  the  process  at  intervals  of  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  the  required 
evacuation  is  induced,  with  its  attendant 
relief.  Farmers  and  others  who  keep  a 
number  of  h  orses  should  obtain  an  instru- 
ment like  the  one  described :  made  of  tin, 
it  is  light,  cheap,  and  very  durable. 

Disinfectants. — The  particles  of  con- 
tagious or  infectious  matter,  like  other 
organic  ferments,  are  very  unstable  in 
their  composition  and  are  easily  acted  on 
by  various  chemical  agents.  Such  agents 
are  called  Disinfectants.  They  act  either 
by  poisoning  or 
killing  the  fer- 
ment; or  by  ab- 
stracting the  hy- 
drogen from  noxious  gases  and  vapors,  break  them  up.  Chlorine  gas, 
carbolic  acid,  and  many  other  compounds  are  commonly  used  for  these 
purposes. 

True  disinfectants  act  chemically  by  decomposing  noxious  gases  and 
organic  matters.  Such  are  chlorine  and  its  compounds,  sulphurous  acid, 
Condy's  fluid,  chloride  of  lime  and  soda,  carbolic  acid,  etc.  Their 
action  is  produced  by  their  affinity  for  hydrogen,  which  is  a  constituent 
of  most  of  the  deleterious  matters  found  in  the  stable.  They  appro- 
priate to  themselves  this  constituent,  and  by  this  means  break  up  the 
poison.     Most  disinfectants  are  also  deodorizers. 

Deodorizers  generally,  as  distinguished  from  disinfectants,  act  me- 
chanically. They  have  an  affinity  for  certain  compounds  floating  in  the 
air,  and  imbibe  and  absorb  them.  Such  are  sawdust,  powdered  char- 
coal, plaster  of  Paris,  sulphate  of  iron,  clean  dry  earth,  sand,  perman- 
ganate of  potassa.  Deodorizers  may,  under  some  circumstances,  become 
so  overcharged  with  noxious  matters  that  they  may  of  themselves  volun- 
tarily give  them   off.     Earth,   for  instance,    which  is  a  most  valuable 


Fig.  13. 
Gamgee's  funnel  for  injections. 


22 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 


deodorizer,  may  become  so  loaded  with  impurities  as  to  become  stinking 
Similarly,  disinfectants  can  only  combine  with  a  certain  proportion  of 
noxious    gases    or    organic     matters,    and     then     become     inert    and 
valueless. 

Disinfectants,  however,  and  deodorizers,  whose  action  is  somewhat 
similar,  though  very  valuable  assistants,  should  never  be  allowed  to  take 
the  place  of  free  ventilation.  It  is  true  that  they  have,  as  explained 
above,  a  very  beneficial  effect  in  killing  or  breaking  up  tlie  poisonous 
particles  ;  but  they  are  not  sufficient  thoroughly  to  purify  the  air.  Free 
ventilation,  or,  in  other  words,  a  real  and  actual  change  of  the  air, 
whether  in  the  stable  or  in  the  sick  chamber,  is  absolutely  necessary. 
Together  with  plenty  of  fresh  air  and  due  regard  to  cleanliness,  disin- 
fectants and  deodorizers  are  useful  means  of 
purifying  the  air  of  stables,  and  also  in  neutral- 
izing those  noxious  emanations  given  off  from 
the  bodies  and  breath  of  diseased  animals, 
which,  if  undiluted  or  undestroyed,  may  be- 
come fruitful  sources  of  diseases.  It  must  never, 
however,  be  supposed  that  they  supersede  or 
even  diminish  the  necessity  for  adequate  venti- 
lation and  scrupulous  cleanliness. 

It  is  a  well  ascertained  fact  that  in  hosj^i- 
tals,  where  much  reliance  has  been  placed  on 
the  use  of  disinfectants,  disease  has  often 
spread  with  greater  rapidity  and  virulence  than 
in  buildings  where  no  such  agents  have  been 
used,  and  where,  in  consequence,  thorough 
ventilation  has  been  more  carefully  attended  to. 

Steaming  may  be  most  efficiently  performed  by  use  of  the  bronchitis 
kettle  specially  made  for  the  purpose,  but  as  few  are  likely  to  li^ave 
sufficient  use  for  it  to  warrant  its  purchase,  recourse  may  be  had  to  the 
nose-bag.  Fig.  14.  Any  old  grain  bag  will  answer,  provided  it  is  clean. 
Make  some  ragged  holes  in  the  bottom  and  about  the  lower  part  of  the 
bag;  into  this  place  some  clean  hay,  and  pour  a  couple  of  quarts  of 
boiling  water  upon  it,  and  as  soon  as  the  hay  is  saturated,  tie  the  bag  over 
the  animal's  nose.  This  operation  should  be  repeated  as  often  as  the 
vapor  ceases  to  rise,  for  at  least  an  hour  at  a  time. 

Poultices,  though  very  convenient  in  the  human  subject,  are  not 


Fig.  14. 
Nosebag  for  steaming  the  respi- 
ratory passages. 


INTKODUCTIOir. 


23 


equally  applicable  in  the  horse,  because  they  are  not  easily  fixed,  except 
on  the  feet.  A  poultice,  unless  made  large,  dries  too  rapidly,  and  is 
then  apt  to  cause  irritation,  instead  of  soothing.  On  the  other  hand,  if 
made  large,  it  is  heavy  and  difficult  to  secure.  The  poultice  must  not 
be  tied  so  tight  as  to  arrest  the  circulation  or  to  leave  a  mark.  "With  this 
view,  a  broad  tape  or  a  piece  of  list  should  be  used  instead  of  a  string. 
An  old  stocking  with  part  of  the  foot  cut  off  makes  a  good  poultice  bag 
for  the  lower  part  of  the  leg. 

Poultices  should  always  be  inclosed  in  a  bag  made  from  some  thin 
but  strong  material,  in  order  to  prevent  the  substances  from  which  they 
are  made  from  becoming  entangled  with  hair,  making  it  very  trouble- 
some to  clean.   Fig.  15  also  shows  how  they  may  be  inclosed.    They  should 


' 

■ 

l^ 

Fi3.  15. 
Enclosure  for  poultices. 


be  snugly  fastened  by  bandages,  as  just  stated,  to  the  diseased  part, 
and  removed  as  often  as  necessary  to  keep  them  sweet.  Applications  of 
various  liniments,  irritants,  disinfectants,  anodynes,  etc.,  may  be  made 
by  mixing  with  the  substance  of  the  poultice,  or  spreading  upon  its 
surface. 

Poultices  intended  for  the  special  purpose  of  giving  warmth  to  a  part 
are  usually  made  of  hot  bran.  Those  intended  for  relaxation  may  be 
made  of  equal  parts  of  moist  bran,  linseed  meal,  and  olive  oil ;  or  of 
boiled  carrots  or  turnips  mixed  with  bran.  For  ill-conditioned  sores 
linseed  answers  best.  If  a  sore  is  painful,  opium  may  be  added  to  any 
of  the  above.  To  soften  the  horn  in  inflammation  of  the  feet,  vinegar 
may  be  added  to  the  bran.  A  poultice  may  be  made  an  astringent  dress- 
ing by  the  addition  of  sulphate  of  zinc. 

Powders,  if  tasteless,  may  be  given  sprinkled  on  the  food,  or  mixed 
with  molasses  as  electuaries,  or  of  any  kind,  nauseous  or  otherwise,  in  a 


24: 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


ball.  It  is  not  at  all  necessary  that  a  ball  should  be  always  large  or  of  a 
fixed  size;  indeed,  the  smaller  the  better,  if  it  can  be  as  surely  adminis- 
tered. 

Electuaries  are  easily  given  by  rubbing  on  the  tongue  or  the  teeth, 
from  whence  they  are  at  once  licked  and  swallowed  with  the  saliva. 

Medicines  of  which  but  a  very  small  quantity  is  administered  at  a 
time,  may  be  dropped  or  poured  upon  the  tongue. 

In  applying  Blisters,  the  affected  part  should  have  the  hair  closely 
clipped  or  shaven  off.  If  properly  applied  and  watched,  blisters  should 
not  leave  any  permanent  mark  or  scar.  If  a  blister  appears  to  be  too 
severe,  it  should  be  removed,  the  vesicant  washed  off,  and  olive  oil  freely 
rubbed  over  the  part.  Never  remove  the  loose  cuticle  raised  by  a  blister 
until  it  begins  to  peel  off  naturally.  If  the  horse  shows  any  disposition 
to  gnaw  at  the  blister,  his  head  should  be  tied  up  so  that  he  cannot  reach 


Fig.  16. 

Cradle  to  prevent  biting  at  a  wound. 


it,  or  a  cradle  put  on  his  neck.  Fig.  16.  This  may  readily  be  made  by 
any  one  with  some  smooth  light  sticks  and  stout  twine. 

Blisters,  whether  intended  to  produce  simple  irritation  or  redness  or 
to  actively  inflame  the  deep  tissue,  are  applied  by  rubbing  or  smearing 
upon  the  skin  such  agents  as  will  produce  the  desired  result.  After  suf- 
ficient action  has  been  set  up,  further  irritation  may  be  arrested  by  gently 
washing  off  the  substance  used,  and  applying  olive  oil. 

Bleeding  is  a  most  powerful  and  certain  depressant  and  sedative. 
It  lessens  the  action  of  the  heart  and  lungs.  It  produces  this  effect 
mainly  by  diminishing  the  quantity  of  blood  in  circulation,  and  it  also 
acts  in  some  not  very  easily  ascertainable  way  on  the  nervous  system. 


INTKODUCTION. 


25 


When  it  is  thought  necessary  to  employ  it,  blood  enough  should  be 
taken  to  produce  a  marked  alteration  in  the  character  of  the  pulse.  The 
blood  should  be  drawn  in  a  full  stream,  so  as  to  produce  the  effect  as 
quickly  as  possible.  If  bleeding  is  resorted  to  at  all,  it  should  be  in  the 
very  early  stage  of  disease,  before  the  strength  fails. 

Bleeding,  however,  is  not  a  safe  remedy.  As  a  general  rule  it  should 
be  avoided;  aad  if  there  is  any  doubt  as  to  its  advisability,  it  is  always 
safer  not  to  bleed.  Far  more  horses  are  killed  than  saved  by  this  rem- 
edy. 

General  blood-letting  in  horses  is  commonly  performed  by  opening 
the  jugular  vein.     For  this  purpose  a  fleam,  Fig.  17,  is  preferable  to  a 


Fia.  17. 
Fleams  for  blood-letting. 

lancet,  for  reasons  that  need  not  be  discussed  here.  Five  to  seven  quart 
is  a  full  bleeding,  and  one  such  blood-letting  from  a  strong  and  previously 
healthy  horse  is  sufficient  in  nearly  all  cases.  A  recent  writer  on  ailments 
of  the  horse  gives  the  following  detailed  directions  for  bleeding,  viz. : 

''  The  instruments  usually  preferred  are  the  fleam  and  blood-stick,  on 
account  of  the  certainty  of  tapping  the  vein  to  the  proper  extent,  and 
thus  making  an  opening  with  mechanical  precision — neither  too  small 
nor  too  large.  A  less  scientific  substitute  is  the  lancet,  which  in  the 
eyes  of  some  looks  more  'elegant'  and  'gentlemanly;'  but  the  days  of 
elegance  at  the  expense  of  precision  and  certainty  have  gone  by. 

There  are  three  important  points  to  be  observed  in  the  operation. 
First,  it  is  essential  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  skin  over  the  vein  is  very 
freely  movable,  and  readily  forms  a  valve  at  any  time  between  tapping 
the  vein  and  the  final  pinning  up.    Second,  the  use  of  a  rusty  instrument. 


26  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

or  one  that  lias  the  least  particle  of  refuse  left  after  former  use,  will  set 
up  inflammation.  Third,  when  pinning  up,  any  dragging  upon  the  skin 
will  cause  a  thrombus :  including  the  vein  will  cause  inflammation :  and 
tightening  the  figure  of  eight  ligature  over  the  pin  too  much  will  cause 
gangrene  of  the  skin,  inflammation,  and  suppuration,  or  a  sloughing 
process. 

No  securing  is  required,  but  a  snaflie  bridle  is  to  be  preferred.  Having 
brought  the  horse's  neck,  near  or  left  side,  to  a  good  light,  we  take  a 
a  sponge  freshly  wrung  out  of  water  and  smoothe  the  hair  with  it  over 
the  bleeding  place.  This  should  be  the  bottom  of  the  upper  third  of  the 
neck.  Next  we  get  an  assistant  to  elevate  the  chin,  and  keep  it  elevated 
all  the  time.  A  tall  assistant  will  rest  the  chin  of  a  medium-sized  horse 
on  his  shoulder,  whilst  a  short  assistant  will  find  his  head  the  best,  with 
the  hand  or  hands  as  a  cushion.  If  the  assistant  cannot  spare  a  hand  to 
cover  the  eye  next  the  bleeding  side,  a  duster  had  better  be  used  as  a 
blinder.  Now  the  operator  should  take  the  clean  fleam,  moistened  with 
his  saliva — not  dipped  in  bad,  rancid  oil  or  lard,  or  anything  which  will 
inoculate — in  his  left  hand,  holding  it  between  his  forefinger  and  thumb, 
and  make  steady  pressure,  wWiout  dragging  upon  the  sJcin,  upon  the 
vein  with  the  remaining  fingers  of  his  left  hand.  He  must  be  patient, 
and  keep  up  a  steady  pressure  thus — resting  his  right  hand,  which  holds 
the  blood-stick,  upon  the  mane — for  two  or  three  minutes,  or  until  the 
vein  has  risen  and  is  quite  ropy  and  tense.  He  now  quietly  lowers  the 
fleam,  and  lays  it  along  the  vein  in  its  central  axis,  and  then  quietly 
brings  the  stick  forwards  and  gives  the  fleam  a  heavy  blow,  when  there 
will  be  a  spurt  of  blood.  It  is  not  essential,  but  it  is  far  better,  to  keep  the 
left  hand  quietly  pressing  upon  the  vein,  and  let  the  assistant  or  a  third 
person  hold  the  receptacle  for  catching  the  blood.  A  third  person  is 
best;  then  it  allows  the  head  to  be  kept  elevated  and  steady,  and  allows 
the  operator  to  keep  up  his  steady  pressure  to  the  end. 

Before  commencing,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  form  a  rough  estimate  of  the 
capacity  of  the  receptacle  for  the  blood — usually  a  common  stable  pail; 
then  we  stop  when  six  pints  have  been  drawn  for  a  large  horse  and  a 
heavy  bleeding,  or  when  four,  or  even  three  pints,  have  been  abstracted 
for  a  bleeding  Avhose  object  is  to  relieve  the  right  side  of  the  heart — as  in 
enteritis,  etc.,  where  we  have  a  small,  wiry,  emjjty  artery,  and  the  blood 
at  first  flows  black  and  '  treacly '  in  a  thin  stream.  A  good  indication 
for  stopping  the  bleeding  and  pinning  up  consists  in  a  larger  flow  com- 


INTKODUCTION.  27 

mencing,  of  less  dark  color,  etc.  Of  course,  wnen  tne  amateur  is  used 
to  the  feel  of  the  pulse,  he  finds  the  artery  grow  larger  and  softer  at  the 
time  the  blood  begins  to  flow  freer  and  become  better  in  color,  and  then 
he  has  the  further  assurance  of  the  desired  end  being  gained.  Long, 
starving,  wasting  diseases  generally,  and  some  blood  diseases,  cause  wiry, 
empty  arteries;  but  where  there  have  been  no  such  causes  at  work,  and 
the  horse  within  a  few  days,  or  it  may  be  hours — as  in  enteritis — comes 
to  have  a  thin,  wiry  pulse,  it  is  a  sure  and  certain  indication  of  a  crowded 
overwhelmed  right  heart,  which  needs  relieving,  when  the  bleeding 
never  fails  to  deliver  the  animal  from  such  a  disastrous  combination. 
Even  in  human  practice,  where  general  bleeding  has  been  so  largely 
abandoned  these  forty  years  past,  the  above  indication  has  always  called 
forth  the  lancet  with  all  reasonable  practitioners. 

The  altered  color  is  a  sign  for  stopping  in  the  above-named  condition, 
then  sighing  is  a  sign  for  stopping  under  any  circumstances;  so  is  a  di- 
lated pupil,  though  sighing  and  a  dilated  pupil  are  usually  present  at 
the  same  time.  We  hardly  need  say  that  the  less  blood  drawn,  sufficient 
for  our  purpose,  the  better,  and  under  no  circumstances  should  a  horse 
be  bled  beyond  six  or  eight  pints.  If  the  hand  be  not  used  to  press  on 
the  vein,  but  the  edge  of  the  receptacle  be  used,  care  has  still  to  be  taken 
lest  we  drag  on  the  skin." 

Pinning-up  or  arresting  the  flow  of  blood  is  the  most  important  part 
of  the  operation.  (For  full  directions  see  the  section  of  this  chapter  on 
Sutures.) 

The  horse  should  always  have  his  head  tied  up  nign,  ana  tnus  stea- 
died, for  one  or  two  hours  after  bleeding,  when  practicable.  We  ought 
never  to  forget  that  an  opiate  (tincture  of  opium  as  a  draught,  or  mor- 


€ 


Fig.  18. 
Acupressure. 


phia  hypodermically)  in  suitable  cases  acts  like  a  cliarm  after  general 
blood-letting;  it  is,  in  fact,  the  coffee  after  dinner  of  therapeutics. 

If  the  blood  is  drawn  from  an  artery,  the  operation  is  best  performed 
by  a  lancet.     In  some  cases  of  cerebral  meningitis,  the  temporal  artery 


28 


VETERINAKY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


has  been  opened  with  good  effect,  and  the  wound  in  the  skin  closed  by 
means  of  a  pin,  retained  in  its  position  by  a  small  quantity  of  tow  or 
thread.  If  the  haemorrhage  is  not  arrested  by  this  method  in  the  case 
of  arteriotomy,  a  pin  or  needle  can  be  placed  underneath  the  artery 
Fig.  18,  as  in  acupressure.  In  this  way  it  will  be  most  effectually  arrested, 
at  the  cost,  however,  of  the  vessel,  which  will  become  obliterated  at  that 
spot.  But  this  is  of  little  consequence,  as  the  collateral  circulation  will 
be  sufficient  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  part. 

Local  blood-letting  is  performed  upon  the  inflamed  part,  or  as  near 
to  it  as  possible,  and  the  object  is  speedily  to  unload  the  engorged  blood- 
vessels. It  may  be  done  by  scarification,  incision,  or  puncture.  In  con- 
junctivitis, for  example,  it  may  be  drawn  from  the  vessels  of  the  inflamed 
part  by  scarifying  the  inner  surface  of  the  eyelids,  or  by  opening  the 
angular  vein.  In  inflammatory  disease  of  the  foot,  any  quantitv  can  be 
obtained  by  puncturing  the  coronary  plexus  of  veins. 

When  general  blood-letting  from  the  jugular  is  practised,  the  animal's 


Fig.  19. 


Fig.  20. 
Two  forms  of  seton  needles 


head  should  be  elevated  and  a  full  stream  of  blood  allowed  to  flow  from 
a  sufficiently  large  orifice  in  the  vein.  If  this  be  done,  a  smaller  amount 
of  blood  drawn  will  make  a  much  greater  impression  on  the  pulse  than 
when  the  orifice  in  the  vein  is  small,  the  blood  flowing  in  a  trickling 
stream,  and  the  head  depressed. 

Setons  are  usually  introduced  by  means  of  needles  made  specially 
for  the  purpose,  Figs.  19  and  20,  although  in  some  places  a  seton  may 


INTBODUCTON. 


29 


m 


bo  run  under  the  skin  by  cvitting  a  channel  with  a  long-bladed  pen- 
knife, and  pushing  a  stiff  cord  through.  If  the  seton  is  to  be  inserted 
under  the  skin  only,  pinch  it  up  and  make  a  short  cut,  say  half  an  inch, 
with  a  knife,  then  insert  the  needle  and  push  it  along  just  under  the 
skin  to  where  it  is  to  come  out.  Feel  for  its  point, 
and  cut  another  slit  through  which  bring  out  the 
needle.  Whether  cord  or  tape  is  used,  see-saw  it 
once  or  twice,  knot  it  well  at  each  end,  after  inser- 
tion, to  prevent  its  drawing  through.  Some  horses 
will  allow  this  to  be  done  without  noticing  it 
much;  others  should  be  blindfolded,  and  with 
still  others  a  twitchup  will  be  needed  in  addition. 

If  the  seton  seems  to  cause  itching,  the  horse 
must  have  his  head  tied  so  that  he  cannot  get  at  it, 
or  a  cradle  put  on  his  neck,  or  he  may  pull  it 
out  with  his  teeth.  Various  ointments  may  be 
used  to  smear  the  seton  in  order  to  get  up  the  re- 
quired irritation.  Setons  should  not  be  used  in 
inflammations  of  the  tendons  and  ligaments,  because  of  the  permanent 
thickening  which  is  apt  to  result  from  their  use. 

Firing,  or  the  application  of  the  actual  cautery,  is  a  severe  form  of 
irritant,  and  is  chiefly  used  in  the  treatment  of  bone  diseases.  The  old 
method  was  to  apply  the  iron  in  lines,  but  the  use  of  the  instrument  here 
figured,  Fig.  22,  for  pyropuncture  is  much  less  likely  to  leave  a  blemish. 


Fig.  21. 
A  seton  in  position. 


Fig.  22. 
Williams'  instrument  for  pyropuncture. 


The  iron  should  be  heated  7'ed  hot,  not  a  white  heat,  and  applied 
with  suflBcient  pressure  to  pierce  the  skin  and  to  enter  the  new  deposit. 
It  may  be  necessary  to  cast  the  horse,  but  a  twitchuu  is  restraint  enough 
for  some. 

Sutures  used  in  veterinary  surgery  are  chiefly  the  Interrupted  su- 
ture and  the  Twisted  suture.  In  preparing  to  close  a  wound  by  suture, 
great  care  should  be  taken  to  see  that  it  is  entirely  clean  before  bringing 
the  edges  together.     If  several  sutures  are  necessary,  it  is  best  to  have  as 


30 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


many  needles  as  there  are  to  be  stitches,  all  ready  threaded  to  avoid  de- 
lay in  threading.  Dip  the  needle  and  also  the  thread  into  a  five-per-cent 
solution  of  carbolic  acid  to  insure  their  being  aseptic.     Fig.  23  will  show 


Fig.  23. 
Proper  method  of  holding  needle  in  making  sutures. 

very  clearly  how  the  needle  should  be  held.  Upon  the  longer  or  shorter 
distance  from  the  edge  of  the  wound  it  is  desired  to  make  the  stitch 
will  depend  the  length  and  degree  of  curvature  of  the  needle.  Figs.  24, 
25,  26,  27  represent  various  suture  needles.    When  the  point  of  the  needle 


\ 


FiQ.  24. 


Fig.  25,  Fig.  26. 

Needles  for  making  sutures. 


Fig.  27. 


emerges  it  should  be  seized  and  drawn  through  with  sufficient  thread  to 
permit  its  being  tied  into  a  knot.  It  is  then  drawn  together  carefully  so 
as  to  bring  the  edge  surfaces  of  the  wound  smoothly  together  and  se- 
curely tied.  Fig.  29  and  Fig.  30.    The  suture  must  not  be  drawn  too 


INTKODUCTION.  31 

tightly,  or  inflammation  and  suppuration  will  follow;   nor  must  the 


iiiii 


Fig.  ■~o. 
Tying  the  thread  in  making  a  knot. 


^F 


Fig.  29. 

Long  and  short  stitch  in  making 

a  suture. 


knot  be  allowed  to  come  directly  over  the  wound.  The  reef-knot,  Fig.  30, 
is  the  one  commonly  tied,  though,  when  there  is  a  tendency  to  gaping  in 


Fig.  33. 
Glasshead  shawl  pin. 


Fig.  32. 
Twisted  suture. 


the  wound  a  regular  surgical  knot.  Fig.  31,  should  be  used.    The  threads 


32  VETERINARY    MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 

should  not  be  removed  under  ten  days  or  a  fortnight.  To  draw  them 
out,  cut  the  suture  close  to  the  knot  and  placing  the  finger  upon  the 
flesh  between  the  line  of  the  cicatrix  and  the  point  where  traction  is  to 
be  made,  draw  carefully  and  steadily  out.  If  the  hair  has  previously 
been  removed  around  the  Avound,  apply  strips  of  sticking  plaster  to  sup- 
port the  new  line  of  union  for  a  time. 

The  twisted  suture,  also  called  the  pin  and  hare-lip  suture,  is  made 
by  thrusting  pins  through  the  margins  of  a  wound  and  then  winding  a 
thread  about  them,  as  shown  in  Fig.  32.  Fig.  33  shows  the  common  black 
glass-head  shawl  pin  which  can  be  obtained  at  any  store,  and  is  the  best 
for  this  purpose.  The  pins  should  be  inserted  from  a  half  to  three-quar- 
ters of  an  inch  from  the  edge  of  the  wound  and  brought  out  the  opposite 
side  at  the  same  distance.  After  they  are  all  in  place,  wrap  the  thread 
as  shown.  It  will  be  an  improvement  to  take  an  interrupted  stitch  be- 
tween the  pins  as  shown.  The  pins  may  be  removed  in  from  three  to 
five  days.  Place  the  thumb  and  forefinger  upon  the  loops  of  the  thread 
and  gently  drawing  them  together,  draw  out  the  pin  b^'  a  twisting  or 
rotating  motion  to  free  it  from  any  adhesion. 

Slings. — It  not  infrequently  happens  that  sick  horses  have  a  dread 
of  lying  down  and  stand  until  utterly  exhausted,  retarding  and  even 
preventing  any  cure  of  their  malady.  Every  horse-owner  therefore 
should  know  how  to  prepare  and  use  slings.  Most  stables  are  so 
situated  that  a  block  and  tackle  can  be  fastened  into  the  beams  about  the 
stall;  if  not,  a  four-post  frame  suflBciently  high  to  make  the  cross  bars 
line  with  the  back  of  the  animal,  must  be  erected  on  which  to  stretch 
the  canvas.  If  blocks  are  fastened  to  beams  overhead,  the  arrangement 
will  be  as  shown  in  Fig.  34  or  Fig.  34*.  In  this  case  the  sail  cloth  or 
whatever  stout  material  is  used  to  go  under  the  belly  and  support  the 
horse  should  be  wrapped  twice  around  two-inch  rollers  or  sticks  of  wood, 
and  thoroughly  nailed. 

If  the  frame  is  to  be  used — and  in  the  country  it  is  preferable,  because 
everything  necessary  can  be  obtained  at  little  or  no  cost — procure  four 
crotched  posts  and  set  them  in  the  ground  a  little  more  than  three  feet  apart 
one  way  and  five  feet  the  other;  let  the  crotches  come  about  as  high  as 
the  middle  of  the  body,  and  on  them  rest  on  each  side  two  strong  hori- 
zontal bars;  above  the  bars  tie  a  stick  across  the  other  way  from  post  to  post 
to  stiffen  them,  then  walk  your  horse  between  the  posts  and  fasten  the 
cloth  securely  to  the  parallel  bars  on  both  sides,  passiug  it  under  his 


INTRODUCTION. 


33 


Fig.  34. 

Horse  in  sling  suspended  with  two  blocks  from 

beam  overhead. 

belly,  just  so  that  it  fits  snugly. 


Fig.  35. 

Horse  suspended  with  one  block  from 

beam  overhead. 


34 


VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    8UEGKKY, 


The  material  used  for  the  support  should  extend  from  the  forelegs 
to  just  ill  front  of  the  sheath  in  males. 

If  the  stall  is  floored,  get  posts  which  will  fit  snugly  between  the  floor 
'and  the  ceiling,  and  nail  them  firmly  at  top  and  bottom.  The  horizontal 
bars  may  be  tied  securely  to  these  uprights,  a  slight  notch  in  the  up  • 
rights  will  insure  against  slipping. 

Bandages  are  often  useful  in  veterinary  practice  to  retain  poultices, 
or  blisters  upon  particular  parts  of  the  body,  and  also  to  protect  a 
wounded  part.  They  are  not  always  easy  to  adjust,  and  a  variety  of 
methods  are  therefore  given  here  to  aid  the  inexperienced. 

Fig.  36  shows  the  customary  method  of  applying  a  roller  bandage, 
with  which  all  professional  men  are  familiar. 

Fig.  37  indicates  a  way  of  fixing  a  bandage  upon  the  forehead. 


Fig.  37. 
Bandage  for  the  forehead. 


Fig.  36. 
Applying  the  roller  bandage  to  the  leg. 

Fig.  38  is  useful  in  cases  where  the  eye  is  affected  in  any  manner; 
At  the  top  a  hole  is  cut  through  which  one  ear  is  thrust,  while  the  bands 
tie  under  the  opposite  one. 

Fig.  39  is  formed  of  a  piece  of  muslin  cut  twice  as  wide  at  the  top 
as  at  the  bottom,  and  affixed  as  shown.  It  is  useful  in  poulticing  or  blis- 
tering on  the  under  side  of  the  jaw. 

Fig.  40  shows  a  bandage  for  the  front  of  the  throat. 


INTKODUCTION. 


35 


Fig.  41   a  larger   one,    intended  to   cover  the   whole  of   the  under 
side  of  the  neck.     Unless  such  bandages  are  thoroughly  tied,  as  here 


Fig.  38. 
Bandage  for  Eye. 


Fig.  39. 
Bandage  for  the  under  side  of  jaw. 


Fig.  40, 
Bandage  for  front  of  throat. 


Fig.  41. 
Bandage  for  whole  under  side  of  neck. 


shown,  the  constant  motion  of  the  norse  causes  them  to  retract  and  be- 
come loose  and  baggy. 

Fig.  42  exhibits  the  simple  manner  of  affixing  a  bandage  to  the  withers. 

Fig.  43  and  Fig.  44,  the  more  elaborate  strapping  necessary  for  the 
shoulder  and  elbow  respectively. 

Fig.  45  and  Fig.  46  represent  the  bandaging  of  the  rump  and  the 
back.     A  bandage  for  the  buttocks  is  shown  in  Fig.  4?. 

Fig.  48  represents  a  bandage  for  the  front  of  the  belly.  This,  of 
course,  can  be  shifted  backward,  as  may  be  necessary. 


36 


VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    S[JKGERY. 


Fig.  42. 
Bandage  for  withers. 


Fig.  43. 
Bandage  for  the  shoulder. 


Fig.  50  clearly  shows  a  simple  method  of  bandaging  the  foreleg  above 
the  knee,  and  Fig.  51,  the  hind  leg  above  the  hock. 


Fig.  44. 
Bandage  for  the  elbow. 


INTRODUCTION. 


87 


Of  course,  an  ingenious  person  will  have  little  difiBculty  in  devising 
various  ways  of  applying  and  retaining  bandages  upon  all  these  different 


Fig.  45. 
Bandage  for  the  back. 


parts.     It  is  necessary  always  to  exercise  care  not  to  draw  the  bands  used 
so  tight  as  to  check  the  circulation  and  thus  do  more  harm  than  good, 


Fig.  46. 
Bandage  for  the  rump. 


Fig.  47. 
Bandage  for  the  buttocks. 


especially  when  any  bandaging  is  left  for  servants  to  do  should  they  be 


38  VETEEINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

advised  against  such  an  error.     Strings  or  cords  should  never  be  used- 


FiG.  48. 
Bandage  for  belly. 


strips  of  list  or  muslin  are  more  comfortable,  safer,  and  equally  secure. 


Fig.  49. 
Bandage  for  foreleg  above  the  knee. 


Bandage  for  hind  leg  above  the  hock. 


Twitchups  are  among  the  most  simple  of  the  contrivances  to  dis- 
tract the  attention  of  the  horse  while  he  is  being  operated  upon.  A  loop 
of  rope,  never  less  than  three-eighths  of  one  inch  in  diameter — and  a 
half-inch  is  better — fastened  to  the  end  of  a  stout  stick,  constitutes  the 


INTKODUCTION. 


39 


apparatus.  The  rope  is  caught  under  the  upper  lip  of  the  horse  and 
twisted,  until  it  tightly  compresses  the  flesh ;  the  degree  of  pressure  is 
to  be  regulated  by  the  necessities  of  the  case,  care  being  taken  not  to  use 
undue  violence.     Fig.  51  shows  the  operation. 


Fig.  51. 
Showing  the  Mode  of  Using  the  Twitch. 


Holding  up  a  Forefoot  will  give  considerable  control  of  some 
horses.  But  others  will  contrive  to  kick  badly,  either  forward  or  back- 
ward, with  the  hind  feet,  when  thus  held,  especially  if  any  of  the  weight 
is  supported  on  the  bent  leg. 

The  Side-Line  is  a  much  more  efficacious  contrivance  for  controlling 
the  horse. 

A  cart-rope  is  required  as  a  side-line.  Take  a  long,  stout  cart-rope, 
fold  it  equally  once,  thei^  tie  a  knot  so  as  to  form  a  loop  the  size  of  a 
collar  to  sit  comfortably  on  the  shoulders;  now  place  the  loop  on  like  a 
collar,  and  take  the  knot  and  ends  of  the  rope  between  the  fore  legs; 
next  carry  one  or  both  ends  of  the  rope  between  the  hind  legs,  and,  having 
arranged  them  while  standing  behind  the  horse,  bring  forward  each  end, 
or  only  one  end  of  the  rope,  and  thread  it  tightly  through  the  collar  loop. 
The  rope,  or  ropes,  may  be  allowed  to  drop,  so  as  to  encircle  the  pasterns; 
then  draw  the  rope  tight,  by  standing  at  the  shoulder  just  slightly  be- 
hind the  collar  loop. 


40 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


Another  method  is  to  use  a  collar,  passing  the  rope  through  the  ring, 
as  shown  in  Fig.  53. 

One  or  both  feet  may  thus  be  controlled.  When  one  leg  is  raised,  it 
will  be  necessary  only  to  draw  it  clear  from  the  ground,  so  that  the  horse 
is  entirely  deprived  of  its  support.  To  pull  it  too  far  forward  will  only 
make  him  nervous  and  restless,  and  be  of  no  advantage. 

Throwing  or  Casting. — No  better  instructions  can  be  given  for  this 
operation  than  the  admirable  directions  of  Karey,  which  are  therefore 
quoted  here  in  full: 

'•'Everything  that  we  want  to  teach  the  horse  must  be  commenced  in 


Fig.  52. 
The  Use  of  the  Side-Line. 


such  a  way  as  to  give  him  an  idea  of  what  you  want  him  to  do,  and  then 
be  repeated  till  he  learns  it  perfectly.  To  make  a  horse  lie  down,  bend 
his  left  fore  leg  and  slip  a  loop  over  it,  so  that  he  cannot  get  it  down. 
Then  put  a  surcingle  around  his  body,  and  fasten  one  end  of  a  long  strap 
around  the  other  fore  leg  just  above  the  hoof.  Place  the  other  end  under 
the  surcingle,  so  as  to  keep  the  strap  in  the  right  direction;  take  a  short 


LNTSODUCION. 


41 


hold  of  it  with  your  right  hand;  stand  on  the  left  side  of  the  horse;  grasp 
the  bit  in  your  left  hand,  pull  steadily  on  the  strap  with  your  right;  bear 
against  his  shoulder  till  you  cause  him  to  move.  As  soon  as  he  lifts  his 
weight,  your  pulling  will  raise  the  other  foot,  and  he  will  have  to  come  on 
his  knees.  Keep  the  strap  tight  in  your  hand,  so  that  he  cannot  straighten 
his  leg,  if  he  rises  up.  Hold  him  in  his  position,  and  turn  his  head 
toward  you;  bear  against  his  side  with  your  shoulder — not  hard,  but  with 
a  steady,  equal  pressure — and  in  about  ten  minutes  he  will  lie  down. 
As  soon  as  he  lies  down,  he  will  be  completely  conquered,  and  you  can 
handle  him  as  you  please.  Take  off  the  straps,  and  straighten  out  his 
legs;  rub  him  lightly  about  the  face  and  neck  with  your  hand  the  way  the 
hair  lies;  handle  all  his  legs;  and,  after  he  has  lain  ten  or  twenty  minutes, 


Fig.  53 
Rarey's  Strap  No.  1. 

let  him  get  up  again.  After  resting  him  a  short  time,  make  him  lie 
down  as  before.  Eepeat  the  operation  three  or  four  times,  which  will  be 
sufficient  for  one  lesson.  Give  him  two  lessons  a  day;  and  when  you 
have  given  him  four  lessons,  he  will  lie  down  by  taking  hold  of  one  foot. 
As  soon  as  he  is  well  broken  to  lie  down  in  this  way,  tap  him  on  the  op- 
posite leg  with  a  stick  when  you  take  hold  of  his  foot,  and  in  a  few  days  he 
will  lie  down  from  the  mere  motion  of  the  stick. 


RECAPITULATION   AND  MINUTE  DIRECTIONS. 


In  practising  the  foregoing  method  upon  a  colt,  he  should  be  first 
accustomed  to  be  handled,  and  taught  to  lead  easily.  In  approaching  a 
spiteful  or  vicious  horse,  you  had  better  make  your  advances  with  a  half 
opened  door  between  you  and  him ;  gradually  make  his  acquaintance, 
and  teach  him  that  you  do  not  care  for  his  open  mouth ;  but  a  regular 


42 


VETEKINAEY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


biter  mnst  be  gagged  with  a  wooden  bit  made  for  the  purpose,  so  large 
that  he  cannot  close  his  mouth. 

Of  course  there  is  no  difficulty  in  handling  the  leg  of  a  quiet  horse  or 
colt,  and  by  constantly  working  from  the  neck  down  to  the  fetlock,  you 
may  do  what  you  j^lease.  But  many  horses,  and  even  colts,  have  a  most 
dangerous  trick  of  striking  out  with  their  fore-legs.  There  is  no  better 
protection  against  this  than  a  cart-wheel.  The  wheel  may  either  be  used 
loose,  or  the  animal  may  be  led  up  to  a  cart  loaded  with  hay,  when  the 


Fig.  54. 
Horse  with  Rarey's  Strap  No.  1  in  position. 


horse-tamer  can  work  under  the  cart  through  one  of  the  wheels,  while 
the  colt  is  nibbling  the  load. 

Having,  then,  so  far  soothed  a  colt  that  he  will  permit  you  to  take 
up  his  legs  without  resistance,  take  the  strap  No.  1,  pass  the  tongue 
through  the  loop  under  the  buckle  so  as  to  form  a  noose,  slip  it  over  the 
near  fore-leg  and  draw  it  close  up  to  the  pastern-joint,  and  fasten  it  as 
represented  in  the  engraving  (Fig.  54.)  But  you  must  not  be  rash  in 
lifting  the  leg,  and  employ  but  little  force  in  doing  so.     It  is  better  to 


INTKODUCTION. 


43 


wait  until  he  lifts  it  willingly  by  the  use  of  gentle  means.  Do  not  get 
out  of  temper  if  you  have  to  make  a  dozen  ineffectual  attempts  to  raise 
it.  The  near  fore-leg  being  securely  strapped,  and  the  horse  secured 
from  biting,  if  necessary,  with  the  wooden  bit,  you  will  then  make  him 
hop  about,  as  before  stated.  This  he  will  learn  to  do  easily.  The  trainer 
must,  however,  take  care  to  keep  behind  his  horse's  shoulder  and  walk 
in  a  circle,  or  he  will  be  likely  to  be  struck  by  the  animal's  head  or 
strapped  up  leg. 

A  horse  can  hop  on  three  legs  for  two  or  three  miles,  if  you  give  him 
his  own  time,  and  no  plan  that  has  ever  been  tried  is  equal  to  this  for 
curing  a  kicking  or  balky  horse.     After  you  have  tired  him  out  pretty 


Fig.  55. 
Rarey's  Strap  No.  2. 


well  in  this  manner,  you  proceed  to  make  him  lie  down,  which  process 
requires  considerable  patience  and  skill.  For  this  purpose  take  strap  No. 
2  (Fig.  55),  and  making  a  loop  with  it  put  it  round  the  off  fore  leg. 
With  a  veTy  quiet  horse  this  can  easily  be  done  ;  with  a  wild  or  vicious 
horse  you  may  have  to  make  him  step  into  it ;  at  any  rate,  when  once 
the  off  fore-leg  is  caught  in  the  noose  it  must  be  drawn  tight  round  the 
pastern-Joint.  Then  put  a  stout  glove  on  your  right  hand,  pass  the  strap 
through  the  belly  part  of  the  surcingle,  take  a  firm  short  hold  of  it  with 
your  gloved  right  hand,  standing  close  to  the  horse  behind  his  shoulders, 
and  with  your  left  hand  take  hold  of  the  near  rein  ;  by  pulling  the  horse 
gently  to  the  near  side  he  will  be  almost  sure  to  hop  ;  if  he  will  not,  he 
mast  be  led.  The  moment  he  lifts  up  his  off  fore-foot,  you  must  draw 
up  strap  No.  2  tightly  and  steadily.  The  horse  will  then  go  down  on 
his  knees  (Fig.  56),  for  if  you  hold  the  strap  tight  he  will  not  be  able  to 
stretch  out  his  foot  again.     As  soon  as  a  horse  recovers  from  his  astonish- 


44 


VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY, 


ment  at  being  brought  to  his  knees,  he  begins  to  resist ;  that  is,  he  rears 
up  on  his  hind  legs,  and  springs  about  in  a  manner  that  will  sometimes 
alarm  the  trainer  (Fig.  57).  Daring  these  struggles  you  must  not  try 
your  strength  against  the  horse's  strength,  but  merely  follow  him  about, 
holding  the  strap  just  tight  enough  to  prevent  him  from  putting  out  his 
off  fore-leg.  As  long  as  you  keep  close  to  Mm,  and  behind  Ms  shoulders, 
you  are  in  very  little  danger.  The  bridle  in  the  left  hand  must  be  used 
like  steering  lines,  by  pulling  to  the  right  or  left  as  occasion  requires  ; 
the  horse,  turning  on  his  hind  legs,  may  be  fatigued  by  being  forced  to 


Fia.  56. 
The  Horse  on  his  knees. 


walk  backwards.  The  strap  passing  through  the  surcingle  keeps,  or 
ought  to  keep,  the  trainer  in  his  right  place  ;  he  is  not  to  pull  or  in  any 
way  fatigue  himself  more  than  he  can  help,  but,  standing  upright,  simply  \ 
follow  the  horse  about,  guiding  him  with  the  bridle  so  he  will  not  pre- 
cipitate himself  against  the  side  of  tlie  stable  or  room  in  which  you  are 
exercising  him.  When  held  and  guided  properly,  he  will  soon  sink  down. 
Corn-fed  horses  will  hold  out  longer  than  grass-fed  ones,  and  the  most 
energetic  horse  will  scarcely  struggle  more  than  ten  or  fifteen  minutes. 


INTKODUCTION. 


45 


Usually  at  the  end  of  eight  minutes'  violent  struggles,  the  animal  sinks 
forward  on  his  knees,  sweating  profusely,  with  heaving  flanks  and  shak- 
ing tail.  If  he  still  resists,  he  may  be  forced  by  the  bit  to  walk  back- 
wards and  forwards,  but  this  is  generally  unnecessary,  as  by  pushing 
gently  at  his  shoulder,  or  by  pulling  steadily  the  off-rein,  you  can  got 
him  to  fall,  in  the  one  case  on  the  near  side,  in  the  other  on  the  off-side; 
but  this  assistance  should  be  so  slight  that  the  horse  will  not  attemjat  to 
resist  it.  The  horse  will  often  make  a  final  spring  when  you  think  he 
is  quite  beaten  ;  but  at  length  he  slides  over,  and  lies  down,  panting  and 
exhausted,  on  his  side.     If  he  is  a  pretty  spirited  animal,  take  advantage 


Fig.  57. 
Horse  rearing  with  Rarey's  Strap  on. 


of  the  moment  to  tie  up  the  off  fore-leg  to  the  surcingle,  as  securely  as 
the  other,  in  a  slip-loop  knot. 

Now  let  your  horse  recover  his  wind,  and  then  encourage  him  to  make 
a  second  fight.  It  will  often  be  more  stubborn  and  more  fierce  than  the 
first.  The  object  of  this  tying-up  operation  is,  that  he  shall  thoroughly 
exhaust  without  hurting  himself,  and  that  he  shall  come  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  it  is  you  who,  by  your  superior  strength,  have  conquered  him, 
and  that  you  are  always  able  to  conquer  him. 


4:6  VETEKINAKY   MEDICINE    AND   SURGEKY. 

Under  the  old  rough-ridiug  system,  the  most  vicious  liorses  were  occa- 
sionally conquered  by  daring  men  Avith  firm  seats  and  strong  arms,  who 
rode  and  flogged  them  into  subjection  ;  but  these  conquests  were  tem- 
porary, and  usually  personal  •  with  every  stranger  the  animal  would  be- 
gin his  game  again. 

One  advantage  of  this  system  is,  that  the  horse  is  allowed  to  exhaust 
himself  under  circumstances  that  render  it  impossible  for  him  to  struggle 
long  enough  to  do  himself  any  harm.  It  has  been  suggested  that  a  blood- 
vessel would  be  likely  to  be  broken,  or  apoplexy  produced  by  the  exertion 
of  leaping  from  the  hind  legs;  but,  up  to  the  present  time,  no  accident  of 
any  kind  has  been  reported. 


Treatment  of  the  Horse  after  he  is  Doion. 

If  the  horse  has  fought  hard  in  going  down,  he  will  then  usually  lie 
perfectly  still,  and  you  can  gentle  him,  scrape  the  sweat  off,  and  rub  him 
down,  smoothing  the  hair  of  his  legs,  and  drawing  the  fore  one  straight 
out.  In  this  position  you  have  the  o^oportunity  of  making  him  perfectly 
familar  with  you,  and  the  more  you  fondle  him  and  reconcile  him  to  you 
the  better.  His  head,  tail  and  legs  should  now  be  handled  with  freedom, 
caressing  and  talking  to  him  all  the  while.  If  he  has  hitherto  resisted 
shoeing,  handle  all  his  legs  with  a  view  to  accomplish  it,  and  if  he  attempt 
to  resist,  continue  until  you  subdue  him,  speaking  to  him  with  a  voice  of 
authority.  If  he  is  a  bad  kicker  you  may  be  obliged  to  confine  his  fore- 
legs; and  with  those  tied,  you  may  spend  an  hour  in  handling  his  legs, 
tapping  the  hoofs  with  your  hand  or  a  hammer — all  this  to  be  done  in  a 
firm,  measured,  soothing  manner;  only  now  and  then,  if  he  resist,  crying, 
as  you  paralyze  him  with  the  ropes,  "  Wo  !  "  in  a  determined  manner.  It 
is  by  this  continuel  soothing  and  handling  that  you  establish  confidence 
between  the  horse  and  yourself.  After  patting  him  as  much  as  you  deem 
needful,  say  for  ten  minutes  or  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  you  may  encourage 
him  to  rise.  Some  horses  will  require  a  good  deal  of  helping,  and  it  may 
be  necessary  to  draw  out  their  fore-legs  before  them.  The  handling  of 
the  limbs  of  colts  in  this  condition,  particularly  requires  caution.  A 
colt  tormented  by  flies,  will  kick  forward  nearly  up  to  the  fore-legs.  If 
a  horse,  unstrapped,  attempts  to  rise,  you  may  easily  stop  him  by  taking 


INTRODUCTON. 


47 


hold  of  a  fore-leg  and  doubling  it  back  to  the  strapped  position.  If  by 
chance  he  should  be  too  quick,  don't  resist,  for  it  is  an  essential  principle 
of  this  system  never  to  enter  into  a  contest  with  a  horse  unless  you  are 
certain  to  be  victorious.  In  all  these  operations  you  must  be  calm,  and 
never  be  in  a  hurry,  or  in  a  passion." 

Catheters. — It  is  sometimes  necessary  to  empty  the  bladder  of  the 
horse  by  means  of  the  catheter.  Those  used  for  the 
horse  should  be  about  thirty  inches  long,  and  provided 
with  a  stilette,  Fig.  58.  For  the  mare  a  metal  tube 
curved  as  shown  in  Fig.  59,  about  twelve  inches  long, 
should  be  used. 

The  catheter  is  passed  along  the  floor  of  the  vagi- 
na in  mares,  preceded  by  the  index  finger  of  the  lefc 
hand,  which  carefully  raises  the  thin  delicate  valve 
guarding  the  urethral  opening;  it  then  enters  the  blad- 
der, and  urine  at  once  flows  readily.  This  precaution 
should  be  observed  in  all  animals  confined  to  a  recum- 
bent position,  as  untoward  results  may  arise  from  pres- 
sure of  the  abdominal  contents  obstructing  the  flow  of 
urine. 

The  mctle  catlieter  is  not  so  readily  passed  into  the 
bladder,  owing  to  the  greater  length  of  the  urethral 
canal,  which  extends  from  the  bladder  to  the  end  of  the 
penis.  Usually,  however,  the  operation  is  not  difficult 
if  the  ordinary  precautions  are  observed,  and  sjaasm  of 
the  neck  of  the  bladder  is  not  too  violent.  When  that 
occurs,  the  injection  of  opium,  etc.,  as  already  named, 
may  induce  a  partial  relaxation  if  applied  first.      In 


OT 


Fig.  59. 
Female  Catheter  for  removing  the  Urine. 


Fig.  58. 
The  male  or  flex- 
ible Gather,  with 
StUette. 


most  cases  the  penis  is  relaxed,  and  hanging  flabby  and  pendulous 
from  nervous  exhaustion,  and  therefore  is  readily  seized;  when  it  is  con- 
tracted by  strong  Sj^asm  within  the  sheath,  as  sometimes  happens,  there 


48 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


is  difficulty  in  drawing  it  down,  especially  if  the  interior  of  the  sheath 
is  lined  by  an  accumulation  of  black  and  offensive  secretion,  when  wash- 
ing by  soap  and  water  will  be  necessary.  On  the  hand  being  passed  up, 
the  back  only  should  be  greased,  the  fingers  being  previously  dried,  a 
simple  proceeding  which  will  enable  the  operator  to  hold  the  penis  more 
firmly,  and  maintain  gentle  traction,  while  the  other  hand  softly  rubs 
down  the  perinjBum  to  hasten  relaxation. 

The  penis  being  withdrawn  from  the  sheath,  the  end  must  be  exam- 
ined for  mechanical  obstructions  at  the  preputial  opening,  which  often 
exist  in  the  form  of  accumulations  of  sabulous  or  fine  gritty  paste,  some- 
times hardened,  and  by  growth  press  upon  the  urethral  opening  and 
close  it  effectualUy  against  the  passage  of  urine.     These  accumulations 


Fig.  60 
The  Male  Urethra. 


sometimes  acquire  such  proportions  and  hardness  as  to  merit  the  name 
oi 2)reputial  calculi.  They  are  readily  removed  by  pressing  the  thumb- 
nail beneath  from  one  side. 

These  preliminaries  being  arranged,  the  flexible  catheter  is  passed  in 
the  following  manner: — An  assistant  having  rubbed  it  over  with  oil,  and 
placed  the  stilette  inside,  the  end  is  put  within  the  urethra,  and  the 
whole  tube  follows  in  a  straight  line  until  it  reaches  the  notch  or  turn  at 
the  ischium  when  the  stilette  is  withdrawn;  the  tube  is  then  pushed 
gently  on  as  it  rounds  the  bone,  the  operator  using  the  left  hand  to  direct 
it  forwards,  when  it  readily  enters  the  bladder,  and  urine  follows  with  a 


INTRODUCTIOK.  ^g 

gurgling  sound.  In  some  instances  it  may  be  needful  to  allow  the  cathe- 
ter to  remain,  as  in  paralysis  or  atony  of  the  muscular  coat  of  the  bladder 
induced  by  long-continued  distention,  an  occurrence  not  altogether  rare, 
as  following  a  long  journey,  during  which  the  animal  has  not  had  an 
opportunity  of  urinating. 
4 


CHAPTER  IL 
DISEASES  OF  THE  EESPIEATORY  ORGANS. 

Catarrh,  Common  Cold,  Coryza,  Chronic  Nasal  Catarrh,  Nasal  Gleet,  Ozaena, 
Chronic  Cough,  Laryngitis,  Sore  Throat,  Angina,  Bronchitis,  Pneumonia,  In- 
flammation of  the  Lungs,  Pleuro-Pneumonia,  Congestion  of  the  Lungs,  Pulmo- 
nary Apoplexy,  Pleurisy,  Pleuritis,  Inflammation  of  the  Pleura,  Asthma, 
Broken  Wind,  Heaves,  Thick  Wind,  Roaring,  Highblowing,  Whistling, 
Grunting. 

NASAL  CATARRH. 

Synonyms. — Common  cold;  Coryza. 

Definition. — Nasal  catarrh  is  an  acute  inflammation  of  the  mucous 
membrane  which  lines  the  nostrils.  It  is  the  same  affection  as  cold  in 
the  head  in  the  human  subject.  It  is  attended  by  a  sero-mucous  discharge 
from  the  nostrils,  increased  redness  of  the  lining  membrane,  oozing  of 
tears  from  the  corners  of  the  eyes,  occasionally  by  swelling  under  the 
jaws,  and  by  a  snorting  cough,  with  or  without  perceptible  fever. 

Etiology. — Nasal  catarrh  in  adult  horses  usually  arises  from  some 
neglect  in  the  management  of  the  animal  or  of  the  stables — from  sudden 
changes  of  temperature,  and  from  exposure  to  cold  and  wet.  Young 
horses  which  have  been  at  pasture,  when  first  kept  in  warm  stables,  are 
frequently  affected  with  it. 

It  is  sometimes  said  to  be  epizootic;  but  it  is  far  more  probable  that 
the  same  lack  of  ventilation,  and  bad  management,  which  produces  cold 
in  one  horse  is  the  predisposing  cause  for  the  others  in  the  same  stable. 
It  is  naturally  most  frequent  during  cold  damp  weather. 

Symptoms. — The  premonitory  symptoms  are  sneezing,  loss  of  appetite, 
dulness  of  the  eye,  a  rough  coat,  and  dryness  and  redness  of  the  mucous 


52 


VETERIJSTARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


membrane  lining  the  nostrils,  followed  by  a  slight  discharge,  at  first  thin 
and  watery,  but  soon  becoming  thicker,  yellowish-white,  and  sometimes 
profuse.  These  symptoms  are  accompanied  by  slight  fever.  The  bowels 
are  usually  constipated.  In  many  cases  the  throat  is  more  or  less  sore, 
and  the  animal  has  some  cough. 

If  the  disease  be  neglected,  the  glands  under  the  jaw  may  become  in- 
flamed and  swollen,  and  the  throat  may  become  positively  sore. 


Fig.  61. 


Treatment. — This  is  usually  a  very  simple  matter  if  attended  to 
promptly.  Eemove  the  animal  to  a  loose  box  if  possible,  give  abundance 
of  fresh  air,  avoiding  all  draughts;  warm  clothing,  if  the  weather  be  cold, 
and  feed  with  bran  mashes,  and  a  moderate  amount  of  good  hay,  cut,  and 
moistened  with  water.  One-half  ounce  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  may  be 
given  daily,  in  the  water,  of  which  allow  plenty.  A  few  days  of  this 
treatment  will  usually  effect  a  cure.  Some  horses  are  so  particular  about 
the  water  they  drink  that  the  slightest  unusual  peculiarity  will  cause  them 
to  refuse  it.     In  such  cases  give  the  nitre  in  the  mash. 

If,  however,  the  running  at  the  nose  be  considerable  and  the  cough 
troublesome,  relief  may  be  obtained  by  steaming  the  head  frequently 
during  the  day.  This  may  be  done  by  keeping  the  head  over  a  pail  of 
hot  water,  which  is  stirred  with  a  whisp  of  hay  or  straw;  or,  a  more 
thorough  method  is  to  make  a  bag  of  some  coarse  material  (an  old  grain 
bag  will  answer),  half  or  twice  as  long  again  and  of  the  same  proportion- 
ate width  as  the  ordinary  nose-bag,  with  a  broad  strap  to  buckle  over 
the  horse's  head.  (Fig.  61.)  Into  this  bag  pour  half  a  peck  of 
sawdust  or  chopped    hay,    and  upon   this   a  gallon  of  boiling  water, 


DISEASES    OF    TUE    KESPIKATORY    ORGANS.  53 

mix  thoroughly,  and  allow  the  superfluous  water  to  drain  off  be- 
fore applying  the  bag.     If  the  patient  becomes  feverish,  a  dose  of 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 5  ss. 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

may  be  given  once  or  twice  a  day  for  two  or  three  days.  Active  purga- 
tive medicine  in  this,  as  in  all  diseases  in  which  the  respiratory  organs 
are  affected,  should  never  be  given.  If  the  bowels  are  constipated,  instead 
of  the  previous  medicine,  a  dose  consisting  of 

Epsom  salts §  ij. 

Nitrate  of  potassium §  iss. 

may  be  given  twice  a  day  until  the  desired  effect  is  produced;  or  an  in- 
jection of  warm  water  (100°  F.)  may  be  administered.  If  the  cough 
be  troublesome,  rub  the  throat  with 


Soap  liniment ^  pint 

Strong  liquid  ammonia 3  i. 


or  if  a  stronger  irritant  be  desired,  add  another  drachm  of  the  ammonia. 
Nasal  catarrh,  if  neglected,  may  terminate  in  laryngitis,  bronchitis, 
pneumonia,  or  other  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs.     In  some  few 
cases  it  becomes  chronic,  and  is  then  known  as  nasal  gleet. 


NASAL  GLEET. 

Synonyms. — Chronic  discharge  from  the  nose;  Chronic  nasaPcatarrh; 
Ozaena. 

Definition. — Nasal  gleet  is  the  name  given  to  a  chronic  discharge, 
generally  intermittent,  but  sometimes  continuous,  usually  from  one  nos- 
tril only. 

The  discharge  usually  falls  freely  away  from  the  nostrils,  and  is  not 
of  that  glue-like  adherent  character  which  is  peculiar  to  glanders.     In 


54:  .    VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY 

ordinaiy  cases,  the  matter  is  white  and  about  the  thickness  of  cream, 
generally  uniform  in  character,  but  sometimes  curdy,  clotty,  or  lumpy. 
Occasionally  it  is  yellowish  in  color.  When  the  discharge  is  connected 
with  disease  of  teeth,  it  generally  has  an  offensive  odor. 

In  ordinary  cases  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nose  betrays  no  symp- 
toms of  acute  inflammation;  but,  on  the  contrary,  its  surface  is  of  a  pal- 
lid hue,  and  it  is  free  from  joustules  or  ulcers.  These  symptoms  also 
distinguish  this  affection  from  glanders. 

Etiology. — Nasal  gleet  is  usually  the  result  of  neglected  catarrh  or 
of  influenza. 

It  may  also  accompany  chronic  inflammation  and  thickening  of  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  nose;  and  occasionally  from  the  back  pressure  of  a 
diseased  tooth  upon  the  bone  causing  inflammation  of  the  maxillary  si- 
nuses, or  from  impaction  of  food,  during  a  fit  of  coughing,  in  the  fossa  of 
the  turbinated  bones. 

Treatment. — Before  the  disease  has  really  become  chronic,  the  con- 
gestion of  the  membrane  may  generally  be  relieved  and  the  membrane  itself 
brought  into  a  healthy  state  by  the  frequent  inhalation  of  steam,  which 
is  most  readily  obtained  applied  by  use  of  the  steam  bag  (Fig.  15) — (see 
manner  of  use  on  page  22). 

An  ordinary  fly  blister  may  be  applied  over  the  region  of  the  sinuses 
of  the  nose. 

Chloride  of  lime  sprinkled  in  the  bottom  of  the  manger,  so  that  the 
horse  may  constantly  inhale  the  odor,  is  said  to  be  useful. 

If,  however,  either  from  neglect  or  in  spite  of  treatment  the  discharge 
becomes  chronic,  and  nasal  gleet,  as  defined  above,  is  fairly  established, 
there  can  scarcely  be  said  to  be  any  treatment  on  which  we  can  place 
much  reliance.  Attention  to  the  general  health,  good  care,  moderate 
but  not  violent  exercise,  and  the  administration  of  mineral  and  vegetable 
tonics,  such  as 

Sulphate  of  copper, 
Nitrate  of  potassium, 

Powdered  gentian aa  I  i. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal. 

One  of  these  given  night  and  morning,  and  continued  for  ten  days, 
and  then  after  the  interval  of  a  week  repeated,  is  very  beneficia}  in  im- 
proving the  state  of  the  system.     Or,  instead  of  the  above. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    RESPIRATOKT   ORGANS.  55 

Powdered  cantharideSc gr.  vi. 

Powdered  gentian 3  ij. 

To  be  made  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal, 

may  be  similarly  given.  Improvement  in  the  general  health  is  the  great 
object  in  the  treatment.  Nasal  gleet,  like  all  chronic  diseases,  is  very 
difficult  to  cure;  but  nature,  when  fairly  assisted,  often  enables  the  part 
to  throw  off  the  morbid  action. 

If,  however,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  discharge  proceeds 
only  from  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nostrils  and  that  the  sinuses  are 
not  affected,  cold  water  may  be  thrown  up  the  nostrils  twice  a  day  by  means 
of  a  large  syringe  or,  what  is  much  better,  Key's  tube  (Fig.  63).   The  larger 


Fig.  62. 
Key's  tube  for  nasal  injection. 

tube  should  be  about  fifteen  inches  long,  and  one  and  a  half  inches  in 
diameter,  expanding,  as  shown,  at  the  top.  The  short  arm  is  about  five 
inches  in  length  and  the  aperture  nearly  an  inch  in  diameter;  on  the 
short  arm  a  closely  fitting  leather  ring  is  slipped,  four  inches  in  diameter. 
This  ring  serves  as  a  base  to  support  wet  tow  or  cotton  wrapped  around 
the  arm  which  enters  the  nostril,  and  when  that  is  compressed  serves  to 
close  it  completely,  so  that  the  fluid  poured  into  the  larger  arm  cannot 
escape,  but  rises  until  it  passes  over  the  septum  and  flows  from  the  oppo- 


56  VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

site  nostril.  Nervous  horses  may  have  to  be  blindfolded.  Gentle  means 
will  usually  enable  the  operator  to  use  this  tube  without  difficulty.  A 
solution  of 


Sulphate  of  zinc 3  i. 

Water 1  pint 


or, 


Carbolic  acid 3  ij. 

Water 1  pint 


may  be  injected  with  this  tube  twice  a  day  into  the  sinus  affected  and  re- 
lease the  collected  matter.  After  the  matter  has  been  released,  the  sinus 
will  require  to  be  washed  out  with  tepid  water  by  means  of  a  syringe;  and 
perhaps  the  membrane  may  require  further  treatment,  as  described  in 
the  next  paragraph. 

If  the  cause  lie  in  the  disease  of  a  tooth,  it  may  be  possible  to  remove 
it;  but  generally  this  is  not  practicable,  and  we  can  hardly  hope  that  any 
remedial  measures  will  be  effectual  in  arresting  the  discharge  from  the 
irritated  membrane;  we  shall  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing,  however, 
that  the  diseased  action  is  not  connected  with  glanders. 

After  a  time — it  may  not  be  until  after  a  considerable  time — when 
such  parts  of  the  tissue  as  are  dis^josed  to  do  so  have  sloughed  away,  the 
discharge  may  cease;  but  in  other  cases  the  irritated  membrane  may  con- 
tinue to  pour  out  mucus  or  pus,  and  trephining,  as  a  last  resort,  offers 
the  only  hope  of  a  possible  cure. 

After  being  ©pened,  the  sinus  will  need  to  be  freely  injected  for  some 
days  Avith  warm  water  in  order  to  clear  out  the  collected  matter;  after 
which,  in  some  cases,  it  may  be  necessary  to  inject  some  mild  stimulant, 
such  as 


Sulphate  of  zinc 3  i. 

Water 1  pint. 


The  action  of  the  stimulant  will  at  first  excite  increased  discharge, 
but  it  will  probably  become  of  a  more  healthy  character.     If  the  discharge 


DISEASES    OF   THE    KESPIKATOEY    ORGANS.  57 

continues  to  increase,  the  stimulant  may  be  discontinued  for  a  few  days, 
and  warm  water  again  used. 

In  many  cases,  the  lining  membrane  of  the  sinus  will  be  found  to  be 
greatly  thickened,  and  perhaps  a  quantity  of  dried  mucus  may  be  lodged 
within  it,  which  will  be  gradually  got  rid  of  by  the  action  of  the  injec- 
tion. Care  must  be  taken  not  to  allow  the  skin  to  close  completely  the 
orifice,  before  the  discharge  has  for  some  days  entirely  ceased. 

During  treatment  the  animal  should  be  fed  well.  If  the  head  is  hot., 
it  should  be  frequently  bathed  with  cold  water.  Mineral  tonics  should 
be  freely  administered  throughout. 

When  in  spite  of  our  treatment  the  diseased  action  of  the  mucous 
membrane  continues,  it  becomes  a  question  whether  it  is  advisable  to 
keep  the  animal.  A  horse  with  an  unhealthy  discharge  from  his  nostrils 
cannot  with  safety  be  kept  near  others  or  worked  with  them.  "We  cannot 
tell  when  such  a  case  may  run  into  glanders.  The  animal  is  therefore 
practically  useless,  and  had  better  be  killed. 


CHRONIC  COUGH. 

Definition. — Chronic  cough  is  a  very  troublesome  affection.  It  may 
have  its  seat  either  in  about  the  larynx,  in  the  respiratory  passages,  or  in 
the  lungs. 

Etiology. — It  usually  arises  from  morbid  sensibility  of  the  nerves  of 
the  larynx,  or  from  irritability  left  in  its  lining  membrane  or  in  the  bron- 
chial tubes  after  pneumonia,  bronchitis,  or  influenza.  Or  it  may  be  con- 
nected with  indigestion,  and,  indeed,  it  may  be  said  frequently  to  be  a 
symptom  of  that  affection.  An  intimate  connection,  as  the  reader  is 
aware,  exists  between  the  nervous  system  of  the  stomach  and  that  of  the 
lungs.  Hence,  derangement  of  the  former  is  ajit  to  set  up  irritation  in 
the  latter.  Thus  horses  suffering  from  worms  are  often  affected  with 
chronic  cough.  It  also  constantly  accompanies  broken  wind;  and  in 
some  cases  it  exists  without  any  appreciable  cause.  In  horses  subject  to 
this  disease,  very  trifling  causes,  such  as  the  change  from  the  atmosphere 
of  the  stable  to  the  open  air,  or  the  mere  act  of  eating  or  of  drink- 
ing, or  a  change  of  weather,  or  a  little  unwonted  excitement,  such  as  a 
trot  or  a  sudden  blow,  are  often  sufficient  to  produce  iri'itation  and  con- 
sequently cough. 


58  VETERINAET    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Chronic  cough,  when  following  bronchitis  or  influenza,  is  usually  ac- 
companied by  an  extra  secretion  of  mucus;  but  we  sometimes  find  it 
when  the  membrane  is  perfectly  dry. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  the  malady  must  depend  on  the 
cause  from  which  it  proceeds. 

When  the  cough  proceeds  from  irritability  of  the  larynx,  considerable 
benefit,  even  in  cases  of  some  standing,  will  be  found  to  result  from  the 
application  of  external  irritation  to  the  throat.     Chawner  advises: 

Croton  oil .15  to  20  drops. 

Glycerin |  i. 

Rub  on  throat  and  windpipe  once  every  two  days. 

With  a  view  of  allaying  the  irritation  which  generally  accompanies  the 
passage  of  food  down  the  throat,  it  useful  to  cut  the  hay  and  wet  it;  and 
five  or  six  pounds  of  carrots  may  be  given  with  the  other  food  daily.  The 
tendency  to  irritation  is  diminished  by  giving  food  and  water  often  and 
in  small  quantities  at  a  time. 

If  the  cough  appears  to  depend  on  disturbance  of  the  lungs,  as  a 
sympathetic  affection,  the  real  cause,  which  is  usually  indigestion,  must 
be  treated.  Careful  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  diet,  and  an  abun- 
dance of  pure  air  must  be  afforded.  The  best  and  most  nutritious  food 
only  should  be  given.  Any  distention  of  the  belly,  such  as  that  caused 
by  the  use  of  bulky  forage,  always  affects  unfavorably  the  free  movement 
of  the  lungs,  whilst  bad  food  will  be  certain  to  aggravate  the  indigestion. 
With  a  special  view  of  avoiding  any  undue  distention  of  the  stomach, 
both  food  and  water  should  be  given  in  small  quantities,  and  at  frequent 
intervals. 

In  very  many  cases,  whether  the  cough  arises  from  irritability  of  the 
membrane  of  the  larynx,  or  from  the  lungs,  in  sympathy  with  the  diges- 
tive organs,  much  benefit  will  be  derived  from  the  administration  of  tar, 
either  in  water  or  in  balls.  For  the  purpose  of  impregnating  the  water, 
it  will  be  sufficient  to  pour  a  quart  of  the  best  tar  into  a  large  cask,  from 
which  the  water  may,  when  required,  be  drawn;  or  the  following  ball 
may  be  given  daily,  viz. : 

Tar ?  i. 

Linseed  meal Sufficient. 

Make  six  balls 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  59 

If  the  cough  has  followed  bronchitis,  pneumonia,  or  influenza,  and  is 
accompanied  with  an  extra  secretion  of  mucus,  with  occasional  discharge 
from  the  nose  after  coughing,  or  with  a  wheezing  noise,  mineral  tonics, 
such  as: 

Sulphate  of  copper 3  i. 

Extract  of  gentian 3  ij. 

Linseed  meal Sufl&cient. 

given  in  a  ball  daily  for  a  week  will  be  beneficial.  The  effect  produced 
must,  however,  be  carefully  watched.  If  the  cough  notwithstanding 
continues,  a  change  of  treatment  may  be  desirable,  and  the  box  may  be 
fumigated  with  tar.  This  may  easily  be  effected  by  putting  some  tar  in 
an  iron  ladle  or  an  old  pail,  and  plunging  a  bar  of  hot  iron  into  it. 

Chronic  cough  may  be  intermittent  in  its  character;  that  is,  it  may 
be  absent  for  a  time,  and  then  return  as  a  dry,  hacking  half-suppressed 
cough,  repeated  several  times  in  succession,  although  the  horse  may  not 
otherwise  be  out  of  health.  In  such  cases  the  following  will  be  found 
useful: 

Powd.  camphor 3  iij. 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  viij. 

,       Calomel 3  iij. 

Aloes 3  vi. 

Tar  or  turpentine Sufficient  to  moisten. 

Make  six  balls. 

Or, 


Ammoniacum Z^a^ 

Powdered  squills 3  vi. 

Aloes 3  vi. 

Linseed  meal 3  xxiv. 

Molasses q.  s. 

Make  six  balls. 

One  every  evening  for  a  few  nights,  after  which  it  may  be  discontinued 
and  repeated  after  an  interval. 

Horses  affected  with  chronic  cough,  if  kept  in  good  condition,  often 
continue  for  years  good  travellers;  whilst,  on  the  other  hand,  if  the  con- 


60  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

dition  falls  off,  the  malady  always  increases,  and  is  apt  to  degenerate  into 
broken  wind. 

When,  however,  this  afEection  accompanies,  or  rather  is  the  result  of 
serious  derangement  of  the  pulmonary  system,  such  as  broken  wind,  it  is 
obviously  incurable,  because  the  cause  from  which  it  proceeds  is  incur- 
able. 


SOEE  THROAT. 

Synonyms. — Laryngitis;  Pharyngitis;  Angina, 

Definition.  — Inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  pnarynx 
and  larynx,  not  often  fatal,  but  nevertheless  a  not  unimportant  disease, 
some-times  killing  quickly  by  suffocation,  in  spite  of  all  efforts  to  afford 
relief. 

Etiology. — Pharyngitis  and  Laryngitis  are  due  to  the  same  causes 
as  common  cold. 

Symptoms. — The  earliest  symptoms  are  cough  and  difficulty  of 
swallowing.  There  is  generally  a  discharge  from  the  nose,  even  in  the 
earliest  stages.  The  mouth  is  hot,  and  the  horse  is  disinclined  to  eat;  or 
perhaps  *' quids"  his  hay,  i.e.,  lets  the  masticated  hay  fall  out  of  his 
mouth.  He  only  sips  his  water,  or  takes  it  by  small  mouthf uls  and  swal- 
lows it  by  jerks.  The  horse  also  chews  his  food  longer  than  common,  in 
order  to  produce  an  amount  of  saliva  which  may  shield  the  irritated 
membrane  during  its  passage  to  the  stomach.  Hence  we  find  much 
slobbering  from  the  mouth,  and  frequently,  in  bad  cases,  when  the  ani- 
mal drinks,  a  portion  of  the  fluid  comes  back  through  the  nostrils,  and 
occasionally  part  of  the  food  is  returned  in  the  same  way.  A  short 
cough  frequently  accompanies  each  inspiration. 

The  pulse  is  quick  and  the  respiration  somewhat  hurried.  If  the 
disease  be  not  checked,  the  cough  will  become  very  hard  and  harassing, 
and  we  may  expect  fever  to  follow.  Attention  should  not  be  diverted, 
however,  to  the  fever  from  the  real  disease.  The  fever  will  subside  as 
soon  as  the  irritation  which  causes  it  is  removed. 

There  is  sometimes  a  slight  enlargement,  which  may  be  seen  exter- 
nally, over  the  upper  end  of  the  windpipe.  Any  attempt  to  handle  the 
throat  is  violently  resisted.     In  severe  cases  the  breathing  is  often  ac- 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS. 


61 


companied  by  a  roaring  noise.     This  roaring  sometimes  becomes  clironic 
after  recovery  from  the  disease. 

Treatment. — In  the  earliest  stage  the  treatment  consists  in  removing 
the  animal  to  a  loose  box,  with  an  abundant  supply  of  fresh  air,  but  no 
draughts.  The  diet  must  be  restricted  to  soft  food.  Use  the  steaming 
bag,  as  recommended  for  coryza,  and  keep  it  constantly  applied,  renew- 
ing the  hot  water  as  often  as  required,  unless  it  appears  to  distress  the 
horse;  in  which  case  remove  it  for  a  time  and  then  readjust.  One  or  two 
ounces  of  chloroform  added  to  the  water  first  poured  in,  will  be  likely  to 
contribute  to  the  relief  of  the  animal.  Apply  hot  fomentations  to  the 
throat,  and  tie  it  up  with  warm  dry  flannel.     (Fig.  63.) 


1         -^        ^      ^VlP 


Fig.  63. 
Neck  tied  up  in  flannel. 

Grass  is  by  far  the  best  food,  but  when  it  cannot  be  procured,  carrots, 
or  bran  mash,  or  linseed  gruel  may  be  substituted.  Hay  is  wholly  inad- 
missible, as  it  cannot  be  properly  masticated,  and  its  long,  dry  fibres 
will  be  certain  to  cause  irritation  in  the  throat. 

So  long  as  swallowing  is  difficult,  all  medicine  should  be  given  in  the 
animal's  food  or  water,  the  latter  being  kept  always  within  reach.  De- 
mulcent drinks,  such  as  linseed  tea,  hay  tea,  or  gruel  are  useful  and  often 
acceptable. 

The  warmth  of  the  body  must  be  maintained  by  clothing,  and  the  legs 
should  be  wrapped  in  flannel  bandages.  At  intervals,  according  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  case,  the  bandages  should  be  removed,  and  hand- 
rubbing  applied  until  warmth  is  restored. 

In  the  early  stage  of  the  affection,  Gamgee  recommends  the  use  of  a 
confection  of : 


62 


VETEBINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGEEY. 


Mix. 


Chloride  of  Ammonium §  ij. 

Camphor 3J. 

Molasses 3  xx. 

A  tablespoonful  occasionally  to  horses  with  a  cough.. 


^n  very  bad  cases,  tlie  swelling  of  the  parotid  glands  and  that  of  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  upper  end  of  the  windpipe  are  sometimes  so 
great  as  to  cause  imminent  danger  of  suffocation.  Eelief  must  then  be 
sought  by  tracheotomy.  If  abscesses  form  and  point  internally,  they 
may  require  to  be  laid  open  with  the  lancet. 

The  accompanying  fever  is  best  treated  by  one  or  two  ounces  of  sweet 
spirits  of  nitre  in  the  water  or  in  the  mash.  The  bowels  must  be  kept 
open  by  the  use  of  laxative  food,  or,  if  need  be,  by  injections  of  warm 
water  (100°  F.),  using  the  instrument  here  figured  in  preference  to  a  Sy- 


ria. 64. 
Gamgee's  funnel  for  enemas. 


ringe.    (Fig.  64.)    In  all  cases,  throughout  the  attack,  the  animal's  head 
should  be  left  entirely  free  from  restraint. 

This  disease  is  always  succeeded  by  great  prostration  of  strength;  and 
in  order  to  prevent  this  as  much  as  possible,  milk — in  conjunction  with 
eggs  beaten  up,  or  boiled  hard  and  powdered — should  be  allowed  the 
animal  to  drink,  alternately  with  water,  gruel,  or  linseed  tea.  But  none 
of  these  should  upon  any  consideration  be  forced  upon  it  by  horning  or 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  63 

bottling,  as  this  is  a  dangerous  practice,  and  one  calculated  not  only  to 
excite  violent  fits  of  coughing  in  all  diseases  of  the  throat,  but  indiges- 
tion, and  disorder  of  the  digestive  apparatus  in  all  other  ailments,  and 
thus  destroy  what  little  appetite  the  patient  might  possess. 

8igns  of  Recovery. — The  first  sign  of  recovery  is  a  slight  mucous  dis- 
charge from  the  nostrils,  indicating  that  the  inflammatory  action  is  sub- 
siding. There  will  also  be  some  slobbering  of  saliva  at  the  mouth,  and  the 
cough  will  become  softer.  The  mucus  discharged  from  the  inflamed  sur- 
faces will  be  coughed  up  and  gotten  rid  of,  partly  by  the  nose  and  partly  by 
the  mouth,  and  the  cough  will  gradually  cease.  The  swelling  of  the 
parotid  glands  and  of  the  glands  under  the  jaws  will  also  gradually  sub- 
side. The  fever  will  cease  with  the  cessation  of  the  irritation  which  pro- 
duced it. 

During  this  stage,  the  following  may  be  given  with  advantage — a 
dessertspoonful  twice  daily: — 

Tannic  acid 3  i. 

Brandy 3  ij. 

Honey §  vi. 

Mix. 
Or,  if  preferred,  a  tablespoonful  every  three  or  four  hours  of  : 

Camphor. 3  i. 

Powdered  alum 3  ij. 

Molasses §  xx. 

Mix. 

Sequelae. — The  after-treatment  usually  needs  much  care  and  atten- 
tion. Some  deposit  on  or  thickening  of  the  membrane  generally  remains 
after  the  attack  has  subsided,  which  maj^  cause  the  horse  to  become  a 
roarer;  and  in  order  to  assist  nature  to  remove  it,  and  thereby  lessen  the 
chance  of  any  such  chronic  affection,  a  mild  stimulating  embrocation 
rubbed  daily  upon  the  throat  will  sometimes  prove  efficacious.  The  fol- 
lowing is  recommended,  viz. : — 

Oil  of  turpentine, 
Liquor  ammonia, 
Olive  oil aa.?iv. 


64  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGEKY. 

but  it  is  often  necessary  to  apply  a  strong  blister  of  biniodide  of  mercury 
three  or  four  times  in  succession  on  the  seat  of  the  disease. 

Biniodide  of  mercury 1  fart. 

Lard 8  parts. 

Mix  intimately. 

For  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  give  the  horse  twice  a  day  of 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  i. 

The  animal  should  remain  in  a  loose  box  until  all  irritation  has  com- 
j)letely  passed  away. 

When  the  horse  is  thoroughly  convalescent,  it  should  not  be  too  hur- 
riedly put  to  work,  because  the  membrane  of  the  windpipe  and  throat 
will  continue  to  be  for  some  time  very  susceptible  of  irritation  and  in- 
flammation. Great  attention  should  also  be  given  to  the  ventilation  of 
the  stable. 

When  the  discharge  from  the  nostrils  continues  for  a  length  of  time, 
even  after  the  horse  has  in  other  respects  recovered,  the  case  must  be 
treated  as  one  of  nasal  gleet. 


BRONCHITIS. 

Synonyms. — Cold  in  the  chest;  Inflammation  of  the  air  passages. 

Definition. — Bronchitis  consists  in  inflammation  of  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  bronchial  tubes.     It  may  be  acute  or  chronic. 

Etiology. — Bronchitis  is  generally  caused  by  exposure  to  cold,  and  is 
commonly  the  result  of  neglect  of  some  kind — allowing  cold  air  to  blow 
on  the  animal;  letting  him  stand  unblanketed  in  cold  weather  after  hard 
driving,  or  when  wet. 

Symptoms. — Bronchitis  usually  commences  with  slight  catarrh  and 
cough,  and  the  horse  is  off  his  feed  and  a  little  feverish.  At  other  times 
there  are  no  catarrhal  symptoms,  and  the  only  noticeable  sign  is  f everish- 
ness  and  quickened  breathing.  This  state  of  the  breathing,  if  not  care- 
fully looked  for,  may  easily  escape  observation. 

The  first  positive  sign  of  bronchitis  is  indicated  by  quickened  breath- 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIKATOKY    ORGANS.  65 

ing,  accompanied  with  a  slight  whistling  or  hissing  sound,  heard  on 
auscultation,  at  the  sides  of  the  chest,  or  else  by  a  deejaer  and  more  noisy 
sound  in  front  of  the  chest.  The  whistling  sound  indicates  inflamma- 
tion of  the  smaller  tubes;  whilst  the  deeper  sound  indicates  inflam- 
mation of  the  larger  tubes.  The  peculiarity  of  these  sounds  arises 
from  the  passage  of  the  air  over  the  dry,  inflamed  membrane  in  the  tubes. 
During  this,  or  the  "  dry  stage,"  the  pulse  is  harder  and  quicker  than 
natural,  from  70  to  80  per  minute,  and  as  the  disease  progresses  it  be- 
comes quicker  and  smaller,  until  in  very  bad  cases  it  can  be  no  longer 
felt.  The  breathing  is  also  much  quickened,  and  the  membrane  of  the 
nostril  is  red  and  inflamed. 

About  the  second  day  the  dry  state  of  the  bronchial  membrane  is  suc- 
ceeded by  a  moist  stage,  with  an  increased  secretion  of  mucus,  accom- 
panied with  a  suppressed  cough.  This  change,  though  it  has  no  partic- 
ular significance,  is  yet  often  indicative  of  relief,  inasmuch  as  it  shows 
that  one  stage  of  the  inflammation  has  passed.  The  pulse,  which  during 
the  dry  stage  had  been  harder  and  quicker  than  natural,  now  becomes 
decreased  in  volume  and  increased  in  frequency.  Should  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  nose,  which  had  been  red  and  inflamed,  become  moist,  and 
at  the  same  time  the  secretion  from  it  of  a  more  natural  character,  it  is 
a  very  favorable  symptom. 

If  the  mucus  which  is  now  secreted  is  not  freely  expectorated,  it  will 
accumulate  either  in  the  larger  or  smaller  tubes,  according  to  the  loca- 
tion of  the  attack.  In  the  larger  tubes  it  affords  considerable  impedi- 
ment to  the  respiration.  The  sound  of  the  air  j^assing  through  them  is 
known  as  the  "great"  mucous  rale.  If  the  smaller  tubes  are  attacked, 
the  sound  is  more  subdued  and  wheezing-like,  and  is  known  as  the 
''small "  mucous  rale.  The  distinction  between  these  two  sounds  should 
be  very  carefully  studied. 

Increase  of  the  attack  is  marked  by  hurried  breathing,  dilatation  of 
the  nostrils,  heaving  of  the  flanks,  much  fever,  a  highly  inflamed  state  of 
the  lining  membrane  of  the  nose,  and  rapid  prostration  of  the  strength.. 
A  peculiarity  of  the  breathing  may  also  be  noticed,  namely,  that  the  act 
of  inspiration  is  performed  with  difficulty,  whilst  that  of  expiration  is 
effected  with  comparative  ease.  The  breathing  may  also  be  quicker  than 
the  pulse. 

In  pure  oronchitis  the  throat  is  not  affected.     The  disease  is  in  the 
bronchial  tubes,  either  great  or  small,  but  not  in  the  larynx  or  trachea. 
5 


66  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND   SIJRGERT. 

If,  however,  bronchitis  supervenes  on  a  previous  attack  of  catarrh  or 
sore  throat,  the  larynx  and  trachea  will  necessarily  be  involved. 

Williams  says,  "  In  no  case  of  pure  bronchitis  is  the  breathing  pain- 
ful, but  short  and  quick,  the  thoracic  as  well  as  the  abdominal  muscles 
being  brought  into  play;  this  distinguishes  it  from  the  breathing  charac- 
teristic of  pleurisy,  in  which  the  ribs  are  more  or  less  fixed,  and  the  res- 
piration abdominal.  In  ordinary  cases  of  bronchitis,  the  animal  is  dull, 
listless,  sometimes  semi-comatose;  hangs  its  head;  is  generally  thirsty; 
ropy  saliva  fills  its  mouth,  which  is  hot  and  moist.  The  visible  mucous 
membranes  are  affected,  and  present  a  varying  degree  of  lividity,  due  to 
non-oxidation  of  the  blood.  The  animal  stands  in  a  coma,  or  moves  list- 
lessly about.  If  in  a  box,  and  the  door  be  open,  it  stands  with  its  head 
to  the  open  air,  from  which  it  evidently  obtains  relief.  The  bowels  are 
generally  somewhat  constipated,  the  faeces  covered  with  mucus;  but  they 
easily  respond  to  purgatives."  The  urine  is  high-colored.  As  the  disease 
advances,  if  it  be  toward  a  favorable  termination,  the  discharge  from  the 
nostrils  will  become  more  profuse,  the  cough  more  loose,  and  gradually 
the  discharge  changes  to  a  more  clear  and  thinner  mucus. 

Treatment. — As  it  is  not  possible  to  cut  the  disease  short  after  its  very 
earliest  stages,  the  treatment  should  be  directed  to  leading  it  to  an  early 
and  favorable  termination.  Nearly  all  authorities  agree  that  blood-letting 
should  be  avoided;  cough  mixtures  or  expectorants  are  of  no  value;  and 
if  the  bowels  are  costive,  on  no  account  give  aloetic  purgatives,  but 
endeavor  to  secure  proper  movements  by  feeding,  as  directed  hereafter. 
Grive  plenty  of  water  to  drink.  At  the  very  earliest  symptom  the  patient 
should  be  removed  to  a  well-ventilated  loose  box,  warmly  clothed,  band- 
ages applied  to  his  legs,  and  his  food  wholly  restricted  to  grass,  carrots, 
or  bran  mash. 

Some  sedative  medicines  will  be  needed,  such  as  from  five  to  ten  drops 
of  Fleming's  tincture  of  aconite,  every  four  hours  (drop  it  into  a 
teaspoon  and  rub  it  on  the  tongue);  but  this  medicine  must  not  be 
continued  after  the  pulse  has  become  soft,  which  in  favorable  cases 
is  usually  in  about  twenty-four  hours.  It  may  be  given  in  another 
way.  Add  ten  drops  of  Fleming's  tincture  to  a  tea-cup  of  water,  and  of 
this  give  a  teaspoonful  every  fifteen  minutes  until  the  animal  sweats 
freely.  If  aconite  does  not  produce  the  desired  effect  in  that  time,  its 
use  should  be  discontinued.  Its  action  on  the  system  is  too  lowering  to 
admit  of  prolonged  use. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    KESPIRATOKY    ORGANS,  67 

After  a  time  the  pulse  usually  becomes  weak  and  the  patient  Is  pros- 
trated. Diffusible  stimulants,  such  as  carbonate  of  ammonia  in  doses  of 
one  drachm  (well  diluted  with  water),  or  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  or  sulphu- 
ric ether  (well  diluted),  in  doses  of  one-half  to  one  ounce,  repeated  every 
four  or  six  hours,  are  now  needed,  and  may  be  continued  until  signs  of  relief 
are  apparent.  If  the  horse  is  inclined  to  drink^  half  an  ounce  of  nitrate 
of  potassium  may  be  dissolved  in  each  pailful  of  water,  until  the  kidneys 
are  freely  acted  on.  If  the  animal  urinates  profusely,  it  need  not  cause 
alarm,  it  being  due  to  the  effort  of  nature  to  throw  off  effete  substances, 
and  will  pass  off  as  the  horse  becomes  convalescent. 

Inhalation  of  the  steam  arising  from  boiling  water  poured  over  hay  in 
the  steam  bag,  as  described  on  page  22,  will  also  be  found  to  give  much 
relief,  and  should  be  made  a  main  point  of  treatment.  The  steam  re- 
lieves the  irritated  membrane  and  tends  to  loosen  the  mucus,  and  there- 
by relieves  the  cough.  A  small  quantity  of  carbolic  acid  poured  on  the 
hay  in  the  steam  bag  will  serve  to  prevent  the  putrefaction  of  the  dis- 
charge. 

When,  as  is  often  the  case,  notwithstanding  hand-rubbing  and  ban- 
dages, the  legs  remain  persistently  cold,  rub  them  with  a  liniment  of 

Soap  liniment  5  pint 

Strong  liquid  ammonia §  i. 

and  then  replace  the  bandages. 

In  addition  to  the  above  treatment,  the  front  part  or  the  sides  of  the 
chest  should  be  stimulated  with  mustard.  As  soon  as  the  irritant  effect 
of  the  mustard  has  ceased,  which  will  be  in  about  fifteen  minutes,  it 
should  be  washed  off.  In  about  two  hours  the  application  may  be  re- 
peated, and  again  Avashed  off  as  before;  and  this  process  may  be  repeated 
at  intervals  until  signs  of  relief  are  apparent. 

If  signs  of  recovery  do  not  become  apparent,  the  disease  will  probably 
extend  to  the  lung  tissue  or  to  its  covering  membrane,  and  we  shall 
probably  have  the  case  complicated  with  pneumonia  or  pleurisy.  A 
horse  may  die  of  pure  bronchitis,  but  in  fatal  cases  the  disease  generally 
runs  into  pneumonia  or  pleurisy  before  death. 


68  VETERUSrAKY   MEDICINE   AND    SURGEKY. 


PNEUMONIA. 

Synonyms. — Inflammation  of  the  lungs;  Lung  fever. 

Definition. — Pneumonia  is  inflammation  of  all  the  substance  of  the 
lungs. 

Etiology. — Chill  while  hot  and  perspiring;  sudden  changes  of  tem- 
perature; badly  ventilated  stables.  Pneumonia  frequently  supervenes  on 
bronchitis. 

Symptoms. — Sometimes  the  attack  comes  on  very  suddenly  without 
any  observable  premonitory  symptoms.  At  other  times  it  starts  almost 
imperceptibly,  the  animal  being  only  slightly  off  his  feed  and  his  mouth 
hot.  The  attack  is  generally  ushered  in  by  sudden  fits  of  shivering,  fol- 
lowed by  coldness  of  the  ears  and  extremities  and  other  usual  signs  of 
inflammation,  and  a  staring  coat.  The  coldness  of  the  extremities  is  a 
marked  sign  throughout  the  disease.  The  horse  is  evidently  uneasy,  and 
turns  his  head  frequently  round  to  his  chest.  The  joulse  is  accelerated 
and  generally  averages  about  eighty  beats  in  the  minute,  at  the  com- 
mencement.    The  temperature  in  the  early  stage  will  be  103  to  10G°  P. 

The  nasal  linings  are  paler  than  usual,  but  as  the  disease  progresses, 
they  become  purplish,  and  then  of  a  leaden  hue.  The  respiration  be- 
comes disturbed  as  soon  as  the  disease  is  established. 

A  very  prominent  symptom  which  marks  this  disease  consists  in  the 
horse  persistently  standing  with  his  fore-legs  wide  apart  and  his  elbows 
out.  He  retains  this  position  because  it  affords  greater  expansion  to  tlit 
chest,  and  therefore  greater  ease,  than  any  other  position.  Horses  af- 
fected with  this  disease  or  with  pleuro-pneumonia  are  said  never  to  lie 
down,  except  it  be  for  a  moment  at  a  time  or  in  extremis,  when  death 
from  suffocation  in  general  rapidly  supervenes. 

Cough  may  or  may  not  be  present.  If  present,  it  is  sharp  in  the  first 
instance,  but  as  the  attack  progresses,  it  becomes  of  a  dry  and  dull  char- 
acter. 

According  to  Williams,  there  is  some  degree  of  constipation,  but  the 
faeces  are  mixed  with  flakes  of  mucus;  the  bowels  are  irritated,  and  do 
not  tolerate  purgatives. 

With  increase  of  the  disease  the  breathing  becomes  quicker  and  more 
labored,  although  in  pneumonia  uncomplicated  with  pleurisy  there  is 


DISEASES    OF   THE   KESPIKATORY    ORGANS.  69 

an  absence  of  any  painful  symptoms  in  the  act.  As  the  attack  progresses, 
however,  the  breathing  becomes  much  accelerated  as  it  approaches  the 
crisis.     The  fever  is  said  to  last  from  five  to  ten  days. ' 

If,  during  the  early  stage  of  the  attack,  the  ear  be  applied  to  the 
chest,  a  confused  humming  noise,  accompanied  with  a  harsh,  dry  mur- 
mur, instead  of  the  gentle  respiratory  sound  peculiar  to  health,  will  be 
heard.     The  duration  of  the  dry  stage  is  very  uncertain. 

Pneumonia  may  attack  one  lung,  or  one  portion  of  one  lung,  or  both 
lungs.  The  extent  and  position  of  the  attack  may  be  ascertained  by 
auscultation. 

Convalescence  is  indicated  by  the  return  of  the  pulse  to  something 
like  its  normal  condition,  by  restoration  and  continuance  of  warmth  in 
the  extremities,  by  a  moist  state  of  the  nostrils,  or  the  appearance  of 
healthy  mucus,  and  by  the  general  relief  of  the  symjjtoms  of  inflamma- 
tion, and  by  a  disposition  to  lie  down. 

If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  disease  continues  to  progress,  the  mouth 
and  nose  will  become  cold,  the  nostril  of  a  leaden  hue,  and  the  pulse 
fluttering  and  indistinct.  The  attack  may  terminate  in  effusion  of  se- 
rum, otherwise  known  as  water  on  the  chest,  exudation  of  lymph  upon 
the  pleural  surfaces,  or  in  tubercles,  abscesses,  gangrene,  etc. 

A  very  unfavorable  symptom  is  afforded  by  the  discharge  from  the 
nose  becoming  of  a  brownish  color.  It  indicates  a  high  degree  of  con- 
gestion in  the  blood-vessels  of  the  lungs.  The  change  of  color  proceeds 
from  oozing  of  the  coloring  matter  of  the  blood  through  the  over-dis- 
tended coats  of  the  vessels. 

Occasionally  the  animal  dies  (from  congestion  of  the  lungs)  about  the 
fourth  or  fifth  day,  or  even  as  early  as  the  second  day,  before  any  of  the 
latter  described  stages  are  reached. 

Horses  sometimes  die  of  congestion  of  the  lungs  from  hard  riding  or 
from  plethoric  state  of  the  system. 

Treatment. — Is  given  on  page  70. 


PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

Definition. — Pleuro-pneumonia  is  inflammation   of   the   lung  and 
pleura  at  the  same  time.     The  disease  may  attack  one  lung  or  one  por- 


70  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 

tion  of  one  lung,  but  it  more  often  attacks  both  lungs  at  once  The 
pleura  are  generally  involved  to  the  same  extent  as  the  lungs. 

Etiology. — The  causes  of  pleuro-pneumonia  are  the  same  as  those  of 
l^neumonia.     Besides,  it  may  prevail  epidemically. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  in  the  early  stage  are  those  of  pneumonia, 
with  the  addition  of  the  friction  sound  heard  best  over  elevated  ridges  at 
the  junction  of  the  cartilages  and  the  ribs.  The  pulse  is  more  affected 
than  in  pneumonia,  and  less  so  than  in  simple  pleurisy,  and  usually 
averages  about  70. 

In  the  second,  or  moist,  and  in  the  later  stages,  the  symptoms  are 
also  similar  to  those  which  are  detailed  under  the  head  of  pneumonia 
and  pleurisy,  and  are  in  fact,  as  we  might  expect,  a  combination  of  both. 

A  peculiar  low  form  of  pleuro-pneumonia  often  prevails  as  an  epi- 
zootic in  large  towns,  the  early  symptoms  of  which  are  very  obscure. 
The  animal  merely  shows  dulness  and  loss  of  appetite  and  increased  fre- 
quency of  pulse.  The  respiratory  movements  are  at  first  so  little  af- 
fected that  unless  the  practitioner  is  on  his  guard  and  tests  the  state  of 
the  lungs  by  auscultation,  the  disease  may  make  some  progress  before  its 
real  nature  is  suspected. 

Treatment  of  pneumonia  and  pleuro-2meumo)ua. — When  any  of  the 
premonitory  symptoms,  such  as  slight  catarrh,  fever,  dulness,  or  loss  of 
appetite  appear,  we  must  at  once  have  recourse  to  an  abundant  supply  of 
cool  fresh  air,  abstinence  from  grain,  laxative  diet,  entire  rest,  extra 
clothing,  and  warm  bandages  to  the  legs.  In  all  cases,  it  is  desirable  that 
the  animal  should  at  once  be  removed  to  an  airy,  loose  box.  Diffusible 
stimulants  are  also  beneficial. 

If  these  simple  remedies  do  not  altogether  avert,  or  at  least  bring- 
about  subsidence  of  the  attack  within  a  very  short  time,  we  must  have 
recourse  to  medical  treatment. 

Bleeding,  once  the  favorite  treatment  in  this  affection,  is  no  longer 
countenanced  by  leading  men.  The  horse  should  be  placed  at  once  in  a 
comfortable  loose  box.  Place  pure  water,  not  very  cold,  within  reach  at 
all  times.  Food  will  not  be  touched,  unless  it  be  a  little  well-made 
gruel,  and  not  at  all  during  the  height  of  the  disease.  Keep  the  body 
warm  by  not  too  many  blankets;  and  in  rapid  and  painful  breathing 
bathe  the  sides  with  warm  water,  as  recommended  in  pleurisy.  To  pre- 
vent taking  cold,  rub  tlie  parts  with 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIBATOKY    ORGANS.  71 

Soap  liniment  ^  pint 

Strong  liquid  ammonia 3  i. 

During  the  first,  or  dry  stage,  sedatives,  such  as 

Fleming's  tincture  of  aconite tt^x. 

Water 1  pint 

may  be  given  once  or  twice,  at  intervals  of  four  to  six  hours  if  the  fever 
be  high,  but  not  otherwise,  until  relief — indicated  by  the  pulse  becom- 
ing softer  in  character  and  lower  in  number — is  obtained.  Aconite 
should  not  be  used  by  any  one  not  suflSciently  experienced  to  distinguish 
the  pulse. accurately.  It  may  also  be  given  according  to  the  method  men- 
tioned in  the  treatment  of  bronchitis;  namely,  by  adding  from  six  to  ten 
drops  of  Fleming's  tincture  to  a  teacupful  of  water,  and  giving  a  tea- 
spoonful  every  fifteen  minutes  until  perspiration  occurs. 

Neutral  salts  dissolved  in  water  have  a  marked  effect  in  relieving  the 
breathing.  For  this  purpose,  two  ounces  of  sulphate  of  magnesia, 
or,  one  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potassium  may  be  dissolved  in  a  pailful  of 
water,  and  the  patient  may  be  allowed  to  drink  as  much  as  he  pleases. 
If  he  finishes  the  pailful,  another  may  be  given  him.  If  the  bowels  are 
constipated,  as  is  often  the  case,  linseed  oil  in  doses  of  from  ten  ounces 
to  a  pint  is  preferable  to  more  active  purgatives. 

If  the  legs,  notwithstanding  friction  and  bandages,  remain  persistently 
cold,  a  mustard  plaster  may  be  applied  to  them,  and  washed  off  after 
fifteen  minutes  and  the  bandages  reapplied;  or  they  may  be  rubbed  Avitli 
a  turpentine  liniment,  as 

Oil  of  turpentine, 
Liquid  ammonia, 
Olive  oil aa  3  iv. 

Should  moderate  diarrhoea  or  excessive  urination  come  on,  do  not 
check  them.  If  the  animal  will  eat,  feed  moderately  Avith  bran  mashes, 
cut  hay  wet  with  water,  boiled  carrots,  etc.     No  grain  food. 

Diffusible  stimulants,  which  were  recommended  above  during  the 
premonitory  symptoms,  are  not  suitable  during  the  dry  stage,  or  at  least 
during  such  portion  of  it  as  aconite  is  administered  with  the  view  of 
lowering  the  pulse.     But  when  the  strength  begins  to  fail,  as  is  often  the 


72  VETEKINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SUKGEEY. 

case  after  the  dry  stage  has  contmued  for  some  time,  and  during  the 
second  or  moist  stage,  such  diffusible  stimulants  as 

Carbonate  of  sodium, 

Camphor, 

Extract  of  belladonna aa.  3  i. 

or  half  an  ounce  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  in  a  little  water,  repeated 
every  four  or  six  hours,  are  very  beneficial,  and  may  be  given  from  time 
to  time  as  may  be  required. 

The  inexperienced  horse  owner  should  very  carefully  consider  the 
symptoms,  and  if  not  quite  sure  what  is  the  right  course  to  pursue  with 
regard  to  the  internal  administration  of  medicine,  had  better  confine  him- 
self to  following  the  directions  as  to  the  loose  box,  water  bathing,  warm 
clothing,  laxative  food,  and  nitre  (Capt.  Hayes). 

As  the  disease  progresses,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  sustain 
the  strength  of  the  patient  as  far  as  possible,  by  giving  him  soft,  nutri- 
tious food,  by  most  attentive  nursing,  and  by  warmth  applied  to  the  body 
by  means  of  clothing,  etc. 

It  is  necessary  to  call  the  particular  attention  of  the  reader  to  the 
distinction  in  regard  to  diet,  which  exists  between  the  premonitory  and 
the  later  stages  of  the  attack.  In  the  former  the  patient  must  be  deprived 
of  all  grain,  and  fed  on  laxative  diet.  Such  timely  measures,  combined 
with  the  loose  box,  will  possibly  ward  off  the  impending  attack,  or  at 
least  prevent  its  becoming  serious. 

As  a  general  rule,  these  diseases  terminate  quickly  and  favorably,  and 
without  any  after  injurious  affects,  when  thus  treated.  When  the  system 
is  unduly  lowered,  or  the  fever  is  aggravated  by  the  use  of  violent  blisters, 
we  have  reason  to  fear  an  unfavorable  termination. 


CONGESTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

Synonym. — Pulmonary  apoplexy. 

Deflnition. — This  disorder  is  distinct  from  inflammation   of   the 

lungs  and  consists  in  an  engorgement  of  the  pulmonary  blood-vessels. 

Etiology. — Generally  it  is  brought  on  by  unaccustomed  and  sustained 
exertion,  and  more  commonly  occurs  in  hot  weather  and  in  fat  horses. 


DISEASES    OF    THE   KESPIRATOKY   ORGANS.  73 

I  have  known  a  very  fine  animal  driven  all  winter  in  the  city,  and  on  a 
hot  day,  in  June,  driven  some  forty  miles  into  the  country,  die  from  this 
disease  in  an  hour  after  stopping.  It  is  said  to  occur  also  from  actual 
want  of  air  in  badly  ventilated  stables. 

Symptoms. — Great  distress;  the  fore-legs  stretched  widely  apart;  the 
nostrils  expand  and  contract  spasmodically;  the  flanks  heave;  there  is  a 
tremor  all  over  the  body  which  is  bathed  in  a  cold  sweat;  the  extremities 
are  cold. 

Treatment. — Should  be  prompt  to  be  of  much  service;  if  neglected 
for  an  hour  even,  it  may  be  too  late,  and  the  animal  will  die  of  apnoea. 
If  there  is  any  wind,  turn  the  horse's  head  so  that  it  will  blow  upon  his 
nostrils;  bathe  the  legs  and  feet  in  hot  water,  rub  them  smartly,  and  fin- 
ish by  bathing  with: 


Liquor  ammonia 3  ij. 

Tincture  of  arnica, 

Water aa  1  pint. 


then  bandage  with  thick  flannel  up  to  the  body.     Give  immediately: 


Sulphuric  ether, 

Laudanum aa  3  ij. 

Water 1  pint. 


May  be  repeated  at  intervals  of  fifteen  minutes  if  it  seems  necessary. 
Two  or  three  doses  will  usually  sufl&ce. 

Or,  if  preferred,  tincture  of  arnica  is  recommended  in  two-ounce 
doses. 

See  that  the  stable.has  plenty  of  fresh  air,  but  no  draughts.  Watch 
constantly  for  twenty-four  hours  or  until  the  attack  has  subsided;  feed 
for  several  days  upon  mashes  or  gruel  only.  Water  freely.  Give  one 
ounce  nitrate  of  potassium  in  the  mash.     Keep  the  animal  warm. 

Some  authorities  recommend  bleeding  in  severe  cases,  taking  four  to 
six  quarts  of  blood;  but  the  blood  flows  with  difficulty  and  is  thick  and 
dark.  It  is  questionable  if  it  does  much  good;  nevertheless,  in  these 
urgent  cases  bleeding  may  be  resorted  to. 


74  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


PLEURISY. 

Synonyms. — Pleuritis;  Inflammation  of  the  pleura. 

Definition. — Pleurisy  or  pleuritis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  pleura, 

or  delicate  serous  membrane  which  forms  the  covering  of  the  lungs  and 
also  lines  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  In  the  epizootic  form  of  pleurisy,  it  is 
preceded  and  accompanied  by  a  low  typhoid  fever,  lasting  from  seven  to 
fourteen  days.  It  is  said  to  occur  generally  but  once  in  a  season,  and  one 
attack  does  not  exempt  from  succeeding  ones. 

Etiology. — The  disease  is  generally  brought  on  by  the  same  causes  as 
those  which  produce  other  diseases  of  the  respiratory  system,  and  prevails 
mostly  in  the  spring  of  the  year,  when  the  days  are  often  cold  and  chilly; 
clipping  is  sometimes  considered  to  be  the  cause;  sometimes  it  is  occa- 
sioned by  some  abnormal  violence  to  the  chest,  or  by  its  being  punctured. 
In  these  latter  cases  the  disease  will  be  confined  to  one  side  only.  Epi- 
zootic pleurisy  is  more  or  less  contagious,  and  severe  cases  are  capable  of 
infecting  other  horses  in  the  same  stable. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  at  the  outset  is  characterized  by  some  degree 
of  chilliness,  manifested  by  a  staring  coat,  and  coldness  of  the  surface  of 
the  body.  This  is,  however,  succeeded  by  signs  of  pain,  often  mistaken 
for  colic,  during  which  the  horse  paws  almost  constantly,  and  j^erhaps 
lies  down  and  rolls;  the  animal  eventually  becomes  stiff  and  sore,  and  if 
suddenly  approached  or  if  rapped  upon  the  affected  side  will  groan. 
The  acts  of  respiration  are  performed  rapidly  and  incompletely,  the  ribs 
are  fixed,  and  the  respiration  is  mostly  abdominal.  If  listening  to  the 
chest  is  practised,  a  rubbing  sound  can  be  heard,  and  sometimes  a  very 
plain  squeaking  noise,  like  the  creaking  of  leather,  will  be  quite  distinct. 
A  dry,  short,  painful  cough  supervenes;  the  pulse  is  hard  and  quick,  60 
to  80  per  minute.  If  the  side  be  closely  examined,  the  muscles  covering 
the  affected  part  will  be  noticed  to  tremble  or  quiver;  this  lasts  but  a 
short  time,  and  is  succeeded  by  diminished  motion. 

When  the  muscles  of  the  chest  are  involved  to  a  considerable  extent, 
the  animal  moves  in  a  very  rigid  manner,  steps  slowly  and  very  short;  is 
greatly  dejected,  the  back  is  arched,  the  skin  exhibits  great  tenderness 
when  subjected  to  pressure.  Some  cases  have  been  noted  that  were  so 
stiff  and  sore  as  to  fall  when  compelled  to  move. 

In  a  period  of  time  varying  from  two  days  to  a  week,  in  favorable 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  75 

cases,  the  dryness  of  the  pleura  is  relieved  by  an  effusion  of  serum  from 
the  overloaded  vessels.  The  occurrence  of  the  moist  stage  has  not  in 
itself  either  a  favorable  or  an  unfavorable  significance.  It  is  merely  the 
course  through  which  every  inflammatory  attack  passes  which  does  not 
at  once  end  in  resolution.  At  this,  the  second  or  moist  stage,  the  friction 
sound,  noted  above  as  characteristic  of  the  disease  in  its  first  stage,  dis- 
appears, and  the  cough  becomes  loose  and  moist,  and  the  extremities  for 
a  time  become  warm.  The  pulse  becomes  less  frequent,  smaller  and 
weaker,  the  breathing  less  labored,  and  the  membrane  of  the  nostril  loses 
its  redness. 

In  from  about  twenty- four  to  forty-eight  hours  after  the  occurrence 
of  the  moist  stage,  we  may  look  for  a  decided  change  either  for  better  or 
for  worse. 

Subsidence  of  the  attack  will  be  indicated  by  the  breathing  becoming 
less  hurried,  by  the  pulse  becoming  softer  and  more  distinct,  and  the  cough 
less  frequent,  and  by  the  extremities  con inuing  warm.  As  in  most  acute 
diseases,  recovery,  when  a  favorable  change  once  takes  place,  is  tolerably 
rapid. 

On  the  other  hand,  persistence  of  the  attack  is  indicated  by  the  ex- 
tremities, which  had,  on  the  occurrence  of  the  moist  stage,  become  warm, 
again  becoming  and  continuing  cold;  by  a  deep,  scarlet  color  of  the  mem- 
brane of  the  nose;  by  a  discharge  of  straw-colored  serum  from  the  nos- 
trils; by  a  thready,  wiry  pulse,  and  by  a  rapid  increase  in  the  effusion  of 
serum,  otherwise  called  water  on  the  chest,  or  hydrothorax;  or  in  exuda- 
tion of  lymph,  causing  in  some  cases  extensive  adhesion  of  the  pleura  of 
the  lungs  to  the  pleura  of  the  ribs,  or  very  frequently  in  both. 

As  in  pneumonia,  it  is  necessary  to  caution  the  inexperienced  against 
mistaking  the  earlier  symptoms  of  either  of  these  results  for  those  of  sub- 
sidence of  the  attack. 

Treatment. — Stop  all  work  at  once;  place  the  horse  in  a  warm,  light, 
well-ventilated  loose  box,  taking  care  that  cold  air  does  not  blow  upon 
him;  clothe  the  animal  and  bandage  its  legs  sufficiently  to  keep  it  warm, 
but  not  too  hot.  Do  not  attempb  to  cut  short  the  fever;  both  it  and  tlie 
attack  must  run  their  course,  and  the  effort  must  be  to  alleviate  them 
and  assist  nature  to  a  favorable  issue.  If  the  fever  be  slight,  the  disease 
itself  will  run  its  course  lightly,  but  if  the  fever  be  severe,  the  local  in- 
flammation will  be  likely  to  prove  proportionately  grave. 


76  VETEBINAKY   MEDICINE   AND    SUBGEEY. 

In  the  early  stages  of  the  attack,  while  the  fever  is  high,  benefit  may 
be  derived  from  the  administration  of 

Fleming's  tincture  of  aconite th,x. 

repeated  two  or  three  times  a  day  if  necessary.  Some  practitioners 
object  to  the  use  of  aconite  on  account  of  its  sedative  action  on  the  heart. 
Or  aconite  may  be  used  as  recommended  in  bronchitis  and  pneumonia. 

At  the  onset  of  the  attack,  when  the  pain  is  the  greatest,  indicated  by 
the  groaning  or  grunting  of  the  horse  and  attempts  to  lie  down,  looking 
around  at  its  sides,  etc.,  a  dose  composed  of  a  mild  purgative  combined 
with  an  opiate  will  give  relief,  and  sometimes  abort  the  disease.     Give 

Laudanum 3  iv. 

Linseed  oil 3  xij. 

One  dose. 

This  may  be  repeated  if  the  pain  continues,  but  with  the  advent  of  the 
moist  stage  the  pain  will  disappear. 

If  the  pain  is  excessive,  a  hypodermic  injection  of 

Magendie's  solution  of  morphine 3  xl. 

will  be  useful. 

Foment  the  sides  with  warm  water,  not  hot,  continuing  the  applica- 
tion for  an  hour  at  a  time  and  then  blanket;  repeat  this  operation  in 
severe  cases  three  or  four  times  a  day.  Williams'  method  of  fomentation 
is  as  follows,  viz. :  Wrap  the  horse's  body  in  a  thick  blanket  or  horse 
sheet,  and  pour  warm  water  upon  it,  placing  a  tub  so  as  to  catch  the 
water  as  it  falls  from  the  sheet,  or  wring  cloths  out  of  warm  water  and 
Apply  them  to  the  sides.  The  latter  method  is  the  cleaner,  as  there  is 
less  water  lost  on  the  bedding,  etc. ;  but  in  the  former  the  skiji  is  not  ex- 
posed during  the  fomentation,  and  is  to  be  preferred.  When  the  fomen- 
tation is  concluded,  the  wet  sheets  are  to  be  covered  with  a  water-proof 
covering,  or,  if  removed,  the  skin  lightly  rubbed  with  weak  ammonia 
liniment: 

Liquid  ammonia §  i. 

Olive  oil xxvi. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATOKY    ORGANS.  77 

for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  sensation  of  cold  which  is  apt  to  follow 
warm  applications. 

If  the  changes  in  the  temperature  of  the  skin  be  marked,  give  three 
times  a  day: 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre , §  i. 

Water Half  a  pailful 

and  to  stimulate  the  action  of  the  kidneys 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  iv. 

given  in  the  drinking  water  night  and  morning. 

Avoid  purgatives,  counter-irritants,  and  bleeding.  Give  a  free  supply 
of  water;  and  to  eat>  bran  mashes  boiled,  linseed  mash,  carrots,  or  grass 
if  it  is  to  be  had.  During  convalescence  give  milk  to  drink,  and  if  the 
animal  is  very  weak,  beat  up  an  egg  or  two  in  the  milk.  A  good  tonic 
at  this  time  will  be  of  service : 

Tincture  of  chloride  of  iron , 3  i. 

Water i  Pint 

Two  or  three  times  daily 

Or, 

Sulphate  of  Iron, 
Powdered  alum, 

Powdered  gentian .aa   31]'. 

Molasses q.  s. 

Make  one  ball. 

Give  one  every  eight  hours  for  two  days  and  afterwards  one  every 
twelve  hours. 


HEAVES.  .      ^ 

Synonyms. — Broken  wind;  Asthma. 

Definition. — Broken  wind  is  said  by  Youatt  to  be  "  the  rupture  and 
running  together  of  some  of  the  air  cells."  It  is  non-inflammatory  and 
usually  becomes  chronic  and  incurable. 


78  YETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Etiology. — Horses  with  narrow  chests  and  protuberant  bellies,  if  also 
gross  feeders,  are  especially  subject  to  this  affection.  Sometimes  it  grad- 
ually steals  on  a  horse,  commencing  with  chronic  cough,  whilst  at  other 
times  it  comes  on  suddenly,  perhaps  after  hard  work,  with  an  overloaded 
stomach;  and  sometimes  it  occurs  without  obvious  cause.  Improper 
feeding;  coarse,  woody  hay;  not  sufficient  variety  in  food,  or  excessive 
amounts  of  it.  Indigestion  from  any  cause.  G-reedy  feeders,  and  horses 
with  a  depraved  appetite,  who  are  specially  liable  to  suffer  from  indiges- 
tion. 

Symptoms. — The  prominent  sign  of  heaves  is  a  double  action  of  the 
flanks,  caused  by  the  inspiration  of  air  into  the  lungs  being  performed 
with  ease,  while  the  expiration  is  made  by  two  apparent  efforts,  at  the 
conclusion  of  which  the  muscles  relax,  and  the  flanks  fall  with  peculiar 
force. 

During  catarrhal  affections  the  disease  is  often  temporarily  increased, 
and  also  at  sudden  changes  of  the  weather,  especially  during  fogs  and 
easterly  winds. 

Treatment. — The  peculiar  symptom  of  flatulence,  which  is  present 
in  every  broken-winded  horse,  shows  pretty  clearly  that  in  the  great  ma- 
jority of  cases  the  disease  is  due  to  a  disordered  state  of  the  digestive 
organs,  rather  than  to  previous  disease  of  the  lungs. 

As  regards  treatment  in  incipient  cases,  especially  in  those  which 
result  from  derangement  of  the  stomach,  there  is  reason  to  hope  that  re- 
moval of  the  causes  and  reversal  of  the  conditions  which  have  induced 
the  malady,  may  check  its  progress,  although  we  must  not  hope  altogether 
to  get  rid  of  the  disease.  Therefore  careful  feeding  and  watering,  and 
regular  exercise  are  essential. 

But  when  heaves  has  become  chronic,  whether  it  has  arisen  from  in- 
flammatory attacks  on  the  respiratory  organs,  or  from  indigestion,  or 
from  emphysema — where,  in  short,  any  alteration  has  taken  place  in  the 
structure  of  the  lungs — the  disease  is  obviously  incurable,  and  active 
treatment  is  worse  than  useless.  The  best  care,  the  greatest  attention  to 
diet,  grooming,  ventilation,  and  exercise  are  needed.  A  broken-winded 
horse  sTiould  never  be  left  idle  for  a  day.  When  working,  do  not  allow 
him  to  drink  immoderately;  a  little  oatmeal  stirred  in  the  water  will 
make  it  better  for  him.  Give  a  pint  of  linseed  oil  occasionally,  if  neces- 
sary to  keep  the  bowels  open. 

Professor  Law  recommends: 


DISEASES    OF   THE   RESPLRATOBY   OBGAKS.  79 

Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic 5  i. 

Fluid  extract  belladonna 3  i. 

Tincture  of  ginger 3  ss. 

Mix  with  a  pint  of  water  and  give  daily  for  a  month  or  two. 
Tincture  of  nux  vomica  in  doses  of  two  to  four  drachms  continued 
for  ten  days  or  two  weeks  is  preferred  by  some. 


THICK  WIND. 

Deflnition. — Thick  wind  generally  arises  from  thickening  of  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  finer  bronchial  tubes  and  air  cells. 

Etiology. — Acute  or  chronic  inflammatory  disease,  either  of  the 
bronchial  tubes  or  the  lungs.  In  the  latter  case,  the  bronchial  tubes  are 
also  usually  involved.  It  may  also  be  produced  by  injudicious  and  violent 
exercise  after  watering,  or  when  the  stomach  is  full,  or  Avhen  the  animal 
has  been  kept  too  long  on  soft  food.  It  is  also  found  in  horses  of  a  pam- 
pered, plethoric  habit.  In  these  cases  it  is  probably  due  to  nervous  irri- 
tability of  the  lungs,  sympathizing,  as  they  readily  do,  with  the  condition 
of  the  stomach. 

On  account  of  the  thickening  of  the  mucous  membrane,  the  horse 
labors  much  in  his  breathing,  especially  when  the  respiration  is  accele- 
rated by  work.  The  importance  or  otherwise  of  this  disease  mainly  de- 
pends on  the  degree  of  thickening  which  has  taken  place,  and  the  extent 
of  lung  affected.  These  points  can  in  some  measure  be  ascertained  by 
auscultation  over  the  region  of  the  chest,  after  the  horse  has  been  made 
to  exert  himself.  This  disease  is  distinguished  from  broken  wind  by  the 
inspirations  and  expirations  being  performed  with  equal  quickness. 

Treatment. — Treatment  can  only  be  palliative.  Active  measures  are 
useless.  Good  condition,  regular  work,  and  very  careful  watering  and 
feeding  will  mitigate  the  evil.  Give  small  quantities  both  of  food  and 
water,  at  a  time.  Carrots  are  considered  good;  grass  is  better  than  hay. 
A  pint  of  linseed  oil  given  now  and  then,  to  keep  the  bowels  in  order 
and  allay  irritation  of  the  mucous  membrane,  will  be  beneficial. 

In  France  it  is  said  to  be  the  common  custom  to  wet  the  food  with 
molasses  and  water. 


80  VETERINABY   MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 


ROARING. 

Definition^. — Eoaring  is  a  very  peculiar  noise  made  usually  in  the  act 
of  inspiration,  especially  when  the  breathing  is  accelerated.  In  some 
cases  it  may  be  made  both  in  expiration  and  inspiration.  The  sound  is 
caused  by  obstruction  in  some  part  of  the  respiratory  passages,  and  usu- 
ally in  the  larynx. 

Etiology. — Roaring  is  said  to  be  due  to  paralysis  and  fatty  degene- 
ration of  the  muscles  of  the  larynx;  by  some  author?  considered  to  be 
chiefly  hereditary.  There  is  considerable  doubt  concerning  the  existence 
of  this  cause.  Among  other  causes  are:  Diseases  of  the  nose;  nasal 
polypi;  depression  of  the  nasal  bones  from  previous  fracture;  osseous 
tumors  in  the  nostrils;  closing  of  one  nasal  chamber  by  false  membrane 
or  disease  of  the  bones;  tumors  on  the  posterior  nares,  called  "  bellones," 
falling  into  the  glottidean  opening,  causing  intermitting  roaring;  con- 
stricting of  the  trachea;  tumors  in  the  thoracic  cavity;  distention  of  the 
gutteral  pouches;  disease  of  the  pharyngeal  and  parotidean  lymphatic 
and  salivary  glands;  tight  reining;  fractures  of  the  tracheal  rings,  or  any 
cause  of  distortion  of  the  larynx. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  to  be  adopted,  and  the  chance  of  a  suc- 
cessful result  in  any  particular  case,  must  depend  on  the  cause  of  the 
disease,  and  its  being  taken  in  treatment  early.  A  confirmed  roarer 
cannot  be  cured. 

As,  however,  in  broken  wind  and  chronic  cough,  good  food  and  regu- 
lar work,  with  high  condition,  exercise  a  favorable  influence,  and  may 
for  a  length  of  time  render  a  roarer  useful  for  many  purposes;  but  with 
all  our  care  the  disease,  when  arising  from  the  above  causes,  generally 
increases  until  the  animal  becomes  useless. 

If  the  roaring  proceeds  from  a  tumor  in  the  nose,  it  may  be  jDOssible 
to  remove  it.  If  it  be  caused  by  an  obstruction  in  the  air  tube,  arising 
from  an  injury  or  from  the  effect  of  an  operation,  it  is  possible  that  re- 
lief may  be  obtained  by  the  application  of  a  blister  of: 

Biniodide  of  mercury . .       1  part 

Lard 8  parts 

Bands  of  organized  lymph  across  the  trachea,  or  a  band  of  that  material 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  81 

around  its  interior,  are  considered  irremovable;  though  instances  are  re- 
corded in  which  they  are  said  to  have  been  excised.  In  recent  cases, 
arising  from  distortion  of  the  larynx  produced  by  tight  reining,  the  best 
treatment  consists  in  removal  of  the  cause,  and  doing  away  with  the 
check-rein,  followed,  if  necessary,  by  rubbing  daily  or  alternate  days 
with: 

Iodine 3  i. 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Lard 3  ij. 

Mix  with  very  gentle  heat. 

If  the  roaring  arises  from  a  thickened  state  of  the  lining  membrane 
of  the  bronchial  tubes,  such  as  may  often  be  found  after  catarrh,  laryn- 
gitis, etc.,  relief  may  very  probably  be  gained,  in  recent  cases,  by  apply- 
ing irritants,  such  as  biniodide  of  mercury  (just  mentioned  above), 
repeated  at  intervals,  to  the  exterior  of  the  part  affected;  or  a  seton  may 
be  inserted  on  both  sides,  just  behind  the  jaw. 


HIGHBLOWING. 

Definition. — Highblowing  is  not  a  disease,  but  is  simply  produced 
by  the  flapping  of  the  horse's  nostrils  when  expelling  air  quickly  from  his 
lungs.  The  larger,  thinner,  and  more  delicate  the  horse's  nostrils  are,  the 
easier  will  it  be  for  him  to  make  this  noise,  which  appears  to  be  under 
his  controh  It  is  rarely  heard  except  at  the  canter  or  gallop.  It  is  gener- 
ally considered  to  be  a  sign  of  good  wind.  One  can  imitate  the  sound  near 
enough  to  understand  how  it  is  made,  by  bringing  the  lip  slightly  together 
and  then  blowing  moderately  strong  through  them.  If  one  blows  very 
hard,  the  vibratory  noise  is  not  made  (Hays). 


WHISTLING. 

"  This  sound  has  been  generally  looked  upon  as  a  modification  of 

roaring.     I  am,  however,  of  the  opinion  that  whistling  and  roaring  are 

due  to  different  pathological  conditions  of  the  larynx,  and  that  they  may 
6 


82  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

exist  independently  of  each  other;  that  roaring  does  not  always  termi- 
nate in  whistling,  nor  whistling  in  roaring."     (Williams.) 

■  The  loeculiar  sound,  which  is  that  of  air  passing  through  a  narrow 
channel,  arises  from  abnormal  contraction  in  some  part  of  the  air  pas- 
sages. The  seat  of  the  contraction  may  be  in  the  larynx,  or  it  may  be 
caused  by  thickening  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  windpipe  from 
previous  inflammation  of  that  organ.  The  causes  of  whistling  are  very 
similar  to  those  of  roaring. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  similar  to  that  of  roaring.  In  some 
cases  a  whistler  may  be  capable  of  more  exertion  than  a  roarer;  but  in 
other  cases  an  opposite  result  may  be  found. 


GRUNTING. 

G-runts  are  sometimes  emitted  by  horses  when  struck  or  suddenly 
moved. 

Etiology. — Any  horse  may  do  it  which  has  been  fed  for  some  time  on 
bulky  food,  and  its  belly  thus  distended.  Horses  also,  which  have  been 
long  in  dealers'  hands,  and  have  been  frequently  examined  as  to  wind, 
will  sometimes  grunt  on  being  approached,  on  account  of  fear  of  a  blow. 

Such  grunts  may  or  may  not  have  any  connection  with  disease  of  the 
larynx;  but  the  horses  which  emit  them  should  be  examined  as  to  their 
wind  with  more  than  ordinary  care.  Grunting  and  roaring  usually  go 
together,  though  they  may  occur  separately. 


I 


OHAPTEE  III. 

DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS. 

Lampas,  Choking,  Indigestion,  Gorging,  Grain  Founder,  Gastric  Impaction, 
Gorged  Stomach,  Impaction  of  the  Stomach,  Dyspepsia,  Chronic  Indigestion, 
Gastritis,  Inflammation  of  the  Stomach,  Rupture  of  the  Stomach,  Constipa- 
tion, Spasmodic  Colic,  Gripes,  Belly  Ache,  Flatulent  Colic,  Windy  Colic, 
Tympanites,  Swollen  Belly,  Inflammation  of  the  Intestines,  Enteritis,  Super- 
purgation,  Diarrhoea,  Bots,  Worms. 


LAMPAS. 

Deflnition. — Lampas  is  a  trifling  ailment  peculiar  to  young  horses. 
It  consists  of  an  active  inflammation  and  swelling  of  the  ridges  or  fleshy 
bars  of  the  roof  of  the  mouth. 

Etiology. — It  is  commonly  connected  with  the  process  of  dentition, 
and  generally  occurs  about  the  season  when  the  teeth  are  changing. 
Horses  at  any  age,  however,  are  liable  to  be  affected  by  it  through  over- 
feeding. The  soreness  of  the  palate  usually  prevents  the  animal  from 
eating  oats  or  corn  for  a  few  days,  and  the  inflammation  sometimes 
causes  slight  feverish  symptoms. 

Treatment. — An  immediate  cure  may  be  effected  by  scarifying  the 
swollen  bars  with  a  lancet,  but  a  few  days  of  feeding  wet  bran  and  soft 
food  wiH  generally  have  the  same  effect,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the 
inflammation  will  subside,  and  the  animal  will  again  feed. 

The  practice  of  burning  the  swollen  bars  with  a  hot  iron  is  a  brutal 
proceeding,  and  should  never  be  tolerated. 


84:  VETEKLNAKY    MEDICINE   AJSID  SURGERY. 


INDIGESTION. 

Synonyms. — G-astric  impaction;  Gorged  stomach;  Grain  founder; 
Impaction  of  the  stomach. 

Etiology. — May  be  the  result  of  a  variety  of  causes:  improper 
food;  in  most  cases  too  great  quantities  of  food;  imperfect  mastication; 
natural  weakness  of  the  stomach.  In  colts,  removal  from  the  dam  at  too 
early  an  age;  drinking  too  cold  milk,  etc. 

Symptoms. — Loss  of  appetite;  a  desire  to  eat  dirt  and  filth;  rough, 
hide-bound  skin;  possibly  a  dry  cough;  colicky  pains  an  hour  or  so  after 
food.  In  cases  of  gorging,  the  horse  will,  in  a  short  time  afterward, 
begin  to  show  signs  of  distress  which  will  increase  rapidly;  the  body  may 
be  covered  with  a  cold  perspiration;  the  extremities  are  cold,  pulse 
rapid;  eructations  of  gas;  attempts  to  vomit,  which,  however,  are 
ineffectual  further  than  the  occasional  flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth. 
The  animal  will  lie  down  on  his  belly,  and  roll  about  and  alternately 
stand  up.  He  is  disposed  to  stand  with  his  head  low  down,  and  to  press 
his  forehead  against  his  manger  or  the  wall. 

Treatment. — In  all  cases  of  simple  indigestion,  it  is  best  to  change 
the  diet  in  some  way,  for  a  time  at  least.  If  a  colt,  give  a  dose 
of  castor  oil: 

Castor  oil 3  viij.-xij. 

An  older  horse  may  have: 

Powdered  aloes, 

Powdered  ginger aa  5  ss. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  molasses. 

After  the  cathartic  has  operated,  give: 

Bicarbonate  of  sodium, 

Powdered  gentian aa  3  ss. 

Powdered  nux  vomica gi'.  xxx. 

Make  one  ball  with  molasses,  and  give  two  daily. 

If  the  hair  is  thick,  clipping  is  sometimes  magically  effective.     Mod 


DISEASES    OF   THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  85 

erate  exercise,  thorough  grooming,  and  food  in  moderate  quantity  unust 
be  an  essential  part  of  the  treatment. 

In  cases  of  gorging,  prompt  efforts  must  be  made  to  assist  nature  in 
passing  the  contents  of  the  overloaded  stomach  into  and  through  the 
intestines,  and  this  can  best  be  done  by  a  strong  purge: 

Powdered  aloes 3  iv. 

Powdered  gentian 3  i j. 

Calomel   3  ss. 

Make  into  one  ball  with  molasses,  and  give  at  once. 

If  this  does  not  act  sufficiently,  it  may  be  repeated  after  forty-eight 
hours. 

For  the  relief  of  pain,  should  it  exist,  give: 


Sweet  spirits  of  nitre ^  ij. 

Fleming's  tinct.  of  aconite rq,  v. 


in  a  small  mash,  and  repeat  once  or  twice  at  intervals  of  two  hours. 

The  subcutaneous  injection  of  morphia  may  be  substituted  for  this, 
and  would  be  more  rapid  in  its  effect;  inject  forty  minims  in  front  of 
the  sternum. 

Apply  hot  fomentations  to  the  belly,  and  do  not  allow  the  horse  to 
throw  himself  violently  upon  the  ground,  which  may  cause  rupture  of 
the  stomach. 

Eobertson  advises,  in  cases  where  the  discharge  from  the  bowels  is 
moderate,  though  not  fluid,  the  daily  administration  for  a  time  of  : 

Aloes 3  ss.  to  3  i. 

Assafoetida, 
Gentian, 

Ginger aa  3  i. 

Molasses sufficient. 

In  a  ball. 

Some  advise  also  the  throwing  of  a  large  injection  well  up  into  tlio 
rectum,  -which  may  be  done  with  a  Eey's  tube. 


86  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

Synonym. — Gastritis. 

Definition. — Inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach. 

Etiology. — It  is  probably  due  to  irritation  of  the  mucous  membrane 
caused  by  swallowing  some  poisonous  substance. 

Symptoms. — True  gastritis  is  rarely  seen  or  recognized  in  the  horse 
except  when  it  is  suspected  in  consequence  of  some  poison  known  to  have 
been  eaten  or  swallowed,  or  medicine  improperly  administered.  If  due 
to  arsenious  acid,  the  symptoms  are  great  pain  with  uneasiness,  the 
animal  alternately  getting  up  and  lying  down,  tympanitic  abdomen, 
faeces  mixed  with  mucus,  the  saliva  foetid,  and  its  secretion  increased; 
mouth  hot,  extremities  cold,  nausea,  purging,  and  great  prostration 
of  strength,  with  delirium.  When  the  irritation  is  caused  by  the 
bichloride  of  mercury,  there  is,  in  addition  to  the  above  symptoms,  a 
profuse  discharge  of  saliva  from  the  mouth. 

Treatment. — Give  at  once  the  usual  antidotes  for  the  poisons. 


RUPTURE  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

Is  not  fortunately  a  common  accident.  Robinson  says  of  its 
Symptoms. — "  When  an  animal  suffering  from  gastric  engorgement 
and  distention  with  much  abdominal  pain,  being  very  uneasy,  tossing 
himself  about  with  violence,  suddenly  becomes  quiet  for  a  short  time  with 
a  distinct  change  in  the  expression  of  his  countenance,  in  which  is  now 
marked  great  anxiety,  with  short,  quick  respiration,  regurgitation  of 
fluid  or  more  solid  ingesta  from  the  mouth  and  nose,  with  attempts  at 
vomition,  pulse  becoming  quicker  and  more  feeble,  the  probability  is  that 
the  walls  of  the  stomach  have  become  torn.  In  some  instances  there  are 
additional  symptoms,  such  as  sudden  fits  of  perspiration,  a  blanched  state 
of  the  mucous  membranes,  cold  and  clammy  mouth,  tottering  or  stagger- 
ing gait  on  being  moved,  or  a  disposition  to  move  feebly  around  the  box 
with  his  nose  to  the  ground. 

When  the  lesion  has  taken  place  at  once,  and  exists  as  the  primary 
affection,  often  occurring  while  at  work,  from  which  he  has  been  removed 


DISEASES    OF    THE  DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  87 

on  account  of  the  exhibition  of  pain,  there  may  not  at  first  be  great  un- 
easiness immediately  accompanying  the  rupture;  but  very  shortly  this 
becomes  a  prominent  symptom,  chiefly  from  the  escape  of  the  contained 
material  into  the  peritoneal  cavity  and  consequent  inflammation  of  the 
membranes  and  organs  there.  Kapidly  the  pulse  and  respirations  become 
affected,  and  show  the  same  characters  as  in  other  form — sinking  Avith 
anxious  exjDression  of  the  countenance,  attempts  at  vomition,  and,  it  may 
be,  sitting  on  the  haunches.  As  the  case  advances,  the  pallid  state  of  the 
mucous  membranes,  and  the  cold,  clammy  condition  of  the  mouth,  be- 
come more  marked.  During  the  progress  of  the  symptoms  the  feeble  and 
frequent  condition  of  the  pulse  is  persistent;  while  towards  the  termina 
tion  the  animal  may  show  little  pain,  but  stand  persistently,  until  he 
finally  drops;  at  other  times  he  is  violent  to  the  last,  gradually  becom- 
ing unconscious." 

No  treatment  will  be  of  any  avail,  administration  of  medicines  has 
been  observed  to  add  to  the  distress  of  the  animal.  A  fatal  termination 
is  inevitable. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Definition. — A  condition  of  the  bowels  in  which  the  faeces  are  wholly 
retained  or  scanty,  hard  and  small. 

Etiology. — Mechanical  obstruction  of  some  kind  in  the  intestines, 
insuflBcient  peristaltic  motion,  and  defective  secretions  in  the  bowels. 

Symptoms. — The  evidences  of  constipation  are  not  usually  very 
pronounced,  except  when  of  long  standing,  in  which  case  the  hair  is 
long,  the  coat  staring  and  rough,  slight  swelling  of  the  extremities,  some- 
times a  distended  condition  of  the  belly,  and  loss  of  appetite.  In  all 
cases,  the  animal,  during  the  act  of  voiding  the  faeces,  will  be  seen  to 
strain.  The  faeces  will  be  small  hard,  dry  balls,  although  it  is  said  that, 
in  some  cases,  the  local  irritation  from  the  hardened  masses  will  excite 
a  watery  secretion  which  may  give  the  appearance  of  diarrhoea.  There 
is  not  usually  an  accompaniment  of  pain. 

Treatment. — In  mild  or  recent  cases,  careful  attention  to  the  diet, 
which  should  be  as  varied  as  convenient,  and  somewhat  laxative,  will 
usually  effect  a  cure.  An  enema  of  tepid  water  and  sweet  oil,  twice  a 
day,  for  a  day  a  two,  will  be  found  useful.  In  prolonged  cases,  a  good 
purgative,  at  first,  may  be  necessary,  and  aloes  may  be  used,  as: 


00  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Aloes 3  vi. 

Gentian 3  ij. 

or  for  young  or  not  strong  horses: 

Linseed  oil 1  pint. 


SPASMODIC  COLIC. 

Synonym.— Gripes. 

Definition. — Colic  is  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  muscular  coat  of 
any  part  of  the  intestines.  It  is  liable  to  run  on  to  inflammation,  al- 
though this  is  not  probable  in  the  great  majority  of  cases. 

Its  usual  seat  is  in  the  small  intestine,  although  it  may  arise  from  im- 
paction of  food  in  the.  large  intestine.  Colic,  of  itself,  rarely  causes 
death,  and  the  trouble  commonly  disappears  after  a  few  hours. 

It  is  always  accompanied  by  pain,  of  an  intermittent  character. 

Etiology. — The  causes  of  colic  are  various,  but  in  a  great  majority 
of  cases  it  arises  from  some  impropriety  in  feeding.  Any  sudden  change 
of  diet,  or  bad  food  of  any  sort,  which  is  not  easily  or  properly  assimilated, 
or  an  excessive  quantity  of  food  at  one  time,  especially  after  a  long  fast, 
when  the  stomach  is  always  weak,  is  apt  to  produce  irritation  and  spas- 
modic affections  of  the  intestines.  In  horses  which  are  predisposed  to 
colic,  very  slight  causes  are  sufficient  to  bring  on  an  attack. 

Among  other  common  causes  are  worms,  obstructions  in  the  intestinal 
canal,  such  as  hair  balls,  calcareous  or  other  accretions  resulting  from 
the  use  of  hard  or  mineral  waters. 

Colic  may  also  be  produced  by  those  causes  which  induce  indigestion 
generally,  such  as  a  lack  of  gastric  and  intestinal  juices,  which  prevents 
complete  digestion;  or  mastication  may  not  be  properly  performed;  or 
the  secretions  of  the  salivary  glands  or  those  of  the  liver  may  be  bad  or 
defective;  or  the  peristaltic  motion  of  the  intestines  maybe  sluggish  from 
general  debility,  or  from  costiveness.  All  these  causes,  however,  are 
aggravated,  if  not  in  many  cases  produced,  by  improper  feeding  and 
watering,  aided  perhaps  by  want  of  due  exercise. 

Colic  is  sometimes  ascribed  to  drinking  cold  water,  but,  unless  the 
hodj  is  exhausted  by  hard  work,  or  overheated,  it  is  doubtful  if  it  can  be 
the  primary  agent.     Crib-biting  is  a  still  more  doubtful  cause  of  colic. 

Symptoms. — The  early  sign  of  colic  is  sudden  pain  evidently  in  the 


I 


DISEASES    OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  89 

region  of  the  intestines,  as  indicated  by  the  horse  looking  anxiously 
round  to  his  flanks.  As  the  pain  increases,  the  patient  will  become  more 
restless,  paw,  kick  at  his  belly,  lie  or  throw  himself  down,  and  get  up 
again  frequently,  or  roll  over,  or  kick.  The  nature  of  the  disease  is 
further  recognized  by  the  spasm  soon  passing  away.  After  a  short  inter- 
val, it  returns,  however,  and  the  same  anxious  looking  around  at  his 
flanks  and  struggling  is  repeated. 

During  the  paroxysm  of  pain,  the  pulse  is  much  quickened  and  the 
breathing  accelerated;  during  the  intervals,  or  in  the  remission  of  the 
spasm,  they  return  to  the  normal.  The  mouth  continues  moist,  and 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  eye  is  not  affected.  During  the  attack, 
there  is  usually  a  frequent  passage  of  hard  angular  dung  pellets.  Inef- 
fectual attempts  to  pass  urine  may  be  made  frequently. 

If  the  disease  is  not  soon  relieved,  the  pulse  becomes  very  frequent 
and  contracted  to  a  thread.  If  the  spasms  continue  for  six  hours  or 
more,  there  is  ground  for  apprehension.  In  protracted  cases  the  result 
is  doubtful. 

The  favorable  indications  are  an  increase  in  the  intervals  of  time  be- 
tween the  attacks,  and  each  attack  becoming  slighter  than  the  preced- 
ing one.  Again,  if  the  animal  passes  wind  freely  and  also  soft  dung,  it 
is  a  favorable  sign.  The  increase  or  decrease  of  the  attack  is  also  in- 
dicated by  the  increasing  or  decreasing  tenseness  of  the  belly. 

It  is  especially  to  be  remarked  that  the  extremities  continue  warm 
and  the  skin  remains  in  its  usual  state.  The  symptoms  are  only  those 
of  great  spasmodic  pain.     There  is  no  inflammation  present. 

Treatment. — Spasmodic  colic  being  almost  invariably  caused  by  an 
irritant  of  some  sort  in  the  bowels,  the  most  rational  treatment  is  di- 
rected to  removing  this  as  soon  as  possible.  For  this  purpose  administer 
at  once  an  active  cathartic* 


Aloes 3  viij. 

Tincture  of  aconite gtt.  xxx. 


Give  in  a  pint  of  water  as  a  drench,  or  the  aloes  may  be  given  alone  in  a 
ball,  made  up  with  bran,  or  linseed  meal,  and  molasses,  varying  the,  dose 
from  3  V.  to  3  x.,  somewhat  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  horse. 


90  VETERINARY  MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 

If  the  aloes,  which  are  decidedly  preferable,  are  not  to  be  had,  give: 

Linseed  oil , 1  pint. 

or, 

Linseed  oil 1  pint. 

Sulphuric  ether |  i. 

The  following  is  also  recommended: 

Oil  of  turpentine 3  ij. 

Laudanum §  i. 

Linseed  oil 1  pint. 

In  connection  with  the  first  prescription,  if  the  pain  is  great,  give: 

Laudanum §  ij. 

Warm  water §  viij. 

or,  if  preferred,  a  hypodermic  injection  of  morphine  may  be  given: 

Magendie's  solution gtt.  xx.  to  xl. 

Usually,  the  front  of  the  sternum  is  selected  for  injection.  Rubbing  the 
belly  and  legs  often  gives  comfort  to  the  sufferer,  and  some  advise  injec- 
tions of  one  sort  or  another,  but  the  spasm  is  commonly  so  far  up  in  the 
intestines  that  they  are  of  little  value. 

A  horse  attacked  with  colic  will  sometimes  be  exceedingly  violent, 
and  care  must  be  exercised  in  approaching  him. 

Watch  a  horse  with  colic  for  some  hours  after  the  apparent  sub- 
sidence of  the  attack,  and  especially  if  it  occurs  at  night,  look  after  him 
frequently.  In  all  cases  give  a  purgative;  for,  as  the  attacks  may  con- 
tinue, it  is  not  impossible,  if  left  for  the  night,  the  animal  may  be  found 
dying  or  dead  in  the  morning.  A  favorable  sign  of  recovering  is  the  free 
passing  of  urine. 

FLATULENT  COLIC. 

Synonyms. — Tympanites;  Swollen  belly. 

This  is  more  to  be  dreaded  than  spasmodic  colic,  on  account  of  the 
serious  results  which  may  ensue.     It  is  apt  to  be  a  chronic  condition. 


DISEASES    OF   THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  91 

Etiology. — Imperfect  digestion  from  improper  food,  or  it  may  arise 
independently  of  any  known  cause;  if  it  occurs  during  the  progress  of 
any  other  disease,  it  is  indicative  of  exhaustion  of  the  animal  powers. 

Symptoms. — More  or  less  distention  of  the  belly,  which  is  resonant 
on  percussion.  The  expression  of  pain  is  not  so  acute  as  in  spasmodic 
colic,  but  more  constant;  there  is  more  or  less  delirium;  the  animal  is 
unsteady  upon  his  feet,  and  his  extremities  are  cold. 

Treatment. — Give  a  cathartic : 

Castor  oil §  xij. 

or. 

Linseed  oil 1 J  pints 

Laudanum 3  ij. 

and  in  addition: 

Solution  of  ammonia §  viij. 

Oil  of  turpentine §1. 

Linseed  oil 4  pint 

or,  if  preferred, 

Asaf oetida |  ij. 

Tincture  of  opium |  ss. 

in  a  pint  of  water. 

Cases  of  slight  colic,  with  intervals  of  considerable  length,  in  which 
the  animal  is  free  from  pain,  are  sometimes  continuous  for  several  days. 
The  bowels  do  not  respond  freely  to  the  effect  of  cathartic  medicine  recom- 
mended, and  slight  pains  return  at  intervals.  Such  cases  are  always 
dangerous.  They  seem  to  arise  from  some  defect  in  the  biliary  secre- 
tions. They  are  best  treated  by  administering  five  grains  of  calomel  on 
the  tongue,  every  hour,  until  the  bowels  are  acted  upon. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  INTESTINES, 

Synonyms. — Peritonitis  and  Enteritis. 

Definition. — Enteritis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  bowels,  and  is  said  to  be  the  most  rapidly  fatal  inflammatory  dis- 
ease to  which  the  horse  is  liable,  destroying  life  in  a  few  hours. 


92  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AKD    8UKGERY. 

Etiology. — Inflammation  of  the  intestines  may  occur  as  a  sequel  of 
colic,  or  it  may  arise  from  continued  constipation,  or  from  any  of  the 
many  causes  which  induce  indigestion,  or  from  intussusception,  or  from 
excessive  action  of  a  purgative.  It  is  more  likely  to  be  produced,  how- 
ever, by  washing  with  very  cold  water  while  the  animal  is  heated,  by  ex- 
posure to  cold,  or  by  over-work.  Peritonitis  is  occasionally  caused  by 
any  wound  of  the  membrane  covering  the  bowels  and  lining  the  abdomi- 
nal cavity,  and  often  by  castration. 

Symptoms. — Unlike  colic,  which  comes  on  suddenly,  enteritis  is 
usually  preceded  by  dulness,  lack  of  appetite,  and  feverishness,  while  re- 
peated small  evacuations  of  fgeces  are  noticed. 

After  a  short  time,  pain  sets  in  and  is  constant.  The  animal  becomes 
very  restless,  stamps  and  paws,  looks  anxiously  at  his  belly,  breaks  out 
into  a  profuse  sweat,  the  body  is  hot  and  cold  by  turns. 

The  earli/  symptoms  are  the  same  as  those  of  colic,  but  with  this 
marked  distinction  which  at  once  shows  the  disease,  namely  the  alsence 
of  any  intervals  of  ease.  The  pain,  though  in  general  less  violent,  is  con- 
tinuous throughout,  and  the  pulse  from  first  to  last  is  accelerated  to  a 
high  degree,  to  double  or  perhtips  treble  its  usual  number.  In  colic  re- 
lief is  usually  experienced  from  rubbing  the  belly,  but  in  enteritis  it  is 
exceedingly  tender,  and  touching  it  gives  pain. 

The  further  symptoms  are  those  usually  present  in  inflammatory  at- 
tacks, namely,  cold  extremities,  dry  mouth,  and  either  unnaturally  hot 
or  cold  hurried  and  oppressed  respiration,  unduly  dilated  nostrils,  with 
an  erect  and  quivering  tail.  As  the  disease  progresses,  the  pulse  sinks, 
and  the  legs  and  ears  feel  death-like  cold.     The  mouth  feels  chilly. 

Treatment. — Relieve  the  pain,  if  possible,  by  a  dose  of 

Laudanum |  i.  to  3  iij. 

or  a  hyperdermic  injection  of 

Magendie's  solution  of  opium gtt.  xx.-xl. 

Some  highly  recommend  the  use  of  extract  of  belladonna  in  place  of  the 
above,  in  doses  of  an  ounce,  and  subsequently,  at  intervals  of  six  hours, 
smaller  doses  of  two  drachms. 

In  the  preliminary  or  very  early  stage,  if  the  animal  is  a  strong  one 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  93 

and  the  pulse  is  full  and  hard — not  weak,  nor  above  80  beats  in  the  min- 
ute— blood  may  be  drawn,  until  an  alteration  is  effected  in  the  character 
of  the  pulse. 

As  long  as  the  pulse  is  hard  and  full,  stimulants  will  be  injurious;  but 
at  a  later  period,  when  prostration  supervenes,  as  it  usually  does,  and  the 
pulse  becomes  small  and  quick,  they  will  be  needed. 

If  on  the  other  hand  the  pulse,  even  in  the  preliminary  or  early  stage, 
is  small  and  wiry,  and  such  is  generally  the  case,  if  the  extremities  are 
cold,  and  if  there  is  great  prostration,  blood-letting  will  certainly  be  in- 
jurious. 

Again  in  all  cases,  both  with  a  view  of  exciting  external  or  counter- 
irritation  and  also  for  the  purpose  of  alleviating  the  pain,  it  is  most  essen- 
tial to  apply  to  the  abdomen  hot  blankets  steeped  in  boiling  water  in 
which  a  little  mustard  has  been  put,  say  a  tablespoonful  to  a  pint  of 
water.  When  the  fomentation  is  discontinued,  blanket  the  horse  well  to 
keep  him  warm. 

Avoid  the  use  of  all  cathartics;  do  not  try  to  force  the  contents  of  the 
bowels  through  the  inflamed  parts.  Injections  of  warm  water  may  be 
tried  a  day  or  two  after  the  severe  symptoms  have  abated. 

When  the  appetite  returns,  feed  small  quantities  of  food  at  a  time, 
and  let  it  consist  entirely  of  boiled  substances — bran  mashes,  thin  oat- 
meal porridge;  milk  and  water  may  be  given  sparingly  and  in  small  quan- 
tity at  a  time. 

Some  cases,  properly  treated,  will  terminate  quickly  and  favorably, 
but  the  result  is  always  doubtful.  If  an  unfavorable  result  is  likely  to 
ensue,  the  duration  of  the  attack  is  generally  short,  and  if  a  favorable 
change  does  not  take  place  in  from  twelve  to  twenty-four  hours,  the  case 
usually  terminates  fatally. 

The  disease  may  also  terminate  in  effusion  of  serum  into  the  abdomi- 
nal cavity,  otherwise  called  ascites.  This  termination  will  be  apparent 
by  a  dropsical  state  of  the  legs  and  sheath,  as  well  as  by  swellings  under 
the  belly.  There  will  be  tenderness  on  the  application  of  pressure  to  the 
belly,  and  also  a  straggling  gait  of  the  hind  quarters  in  walking.  The 
breathing  will  be  quickened,  short,  and  painful,  and  the  patient  may 
probably  lie  down  at  full  length  and  groan.  The  treatment  of  such  an 
after-result  will  consist  in  good  nursing  and  judicious,  but  not  over-feed- 
ing, with  nutritious  diet,  and  the  administration  of  tonics. 


94:  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

In  due  time,  as  strength  returns,  the  absorbents  and  blood-yessels 
will  take  up  the  effusion. 


DIARRHCEA. 

Synonym. — Scouring. 

Definition. — A  condition  in  which  there  is  a  number  of  loose,  partly 
faecal  or  watery  discharges  in  twenty-four  hours,  commonly  without  pain. 
It  is  often  a  natural  effort  to  expel  some  irritating  substance,  and  in  such 
cases  will  disappear  with  the  removal  of  the  cause.  It  may  be  a  symp- 
tom of  enteritis. 

Etiology. — Change  of  food  from  dry  hay  and  grain  to  grass  or  any 
soft  feed;  raw  potatoes;  improper  food;  an  excessive  dose  of  medicine;  con- 
stitutional tendency. 

Symptoms. — Purging;  the  dung  being  more  or  less  thin  and  fluid, 
dirty  brown  in  color,  and  with  little  odor;  or  clay-colored  and  foetid. 
The  horse  loses  flesh,  sometimes  rapidly,  if  the  disorder  is  unchecked. 

Treatment. — When  diarrhoea  arises  from  irritating  substances  in  the 
intestines,  a  mild  cathartic  will  be  useful: 

Castor  oil §  x. 

or 

Linseed  oil 1  pint. 

Change  the  diet  which  may  have  been  the  cause  of  the  trouble.  If  there 
is  apparently  considerable  abdominal  pain,  the  following  ball  may  be 
given : 

Powdered  opium 3  i. 

Powdered  catechu 3  ij. 

Prepared  chalk 3  iv. 

Molasses enough  to  hold  together. 

Robinson  recommends  for  pain  in  diarrhoea  a  draught  of 

Spirits  of  nitrous  ether §  U-  to  3  iv. 

Powdered  camphor 3  i. 

Laudanum §  ij. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  95 

To  be  given  in  a  quart  of  wheat  flour  gruel,  and  repeat  in  one  or  two 
hours  if  needful. 

If,  however,  the  animal  is  restless  and  it  is  not  possible  to  give  him  a 
drench,  morphine  may  be  injected  subcutaneously : 

Magendie's  solution  of  morphia tt],  xl. 

Fomentations  of  the  belly  with  hot  water,  and  afterward  rubbing  with 
soap  liniment  is  often  grateful  to  the  horse.  The  body  should  be  blank- 
eted after  this.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  check  the  discharge  too  sud- 
denly, and  mild  treatment  should  first  be  tried.  Not  uncommonly  proper 
attention  to  the  feeding  and  watering  will  work  a  change  without  recourse 
to  medicine.  Give  bran  mashes  for  several  nights  and  thin  flour,  or  bet- 
ter oatmeal,  water  in  place  of  all  clear  water  for  drinking.  Keep  the 
body  warm  with  clothing,  and  the  horse  quiet. 

If  the  bowels  do  not  regain  their  normal  condition  after  the  action  of 
this  medicine  has  ceased',  give  several  times  a  day: 

Powdered  chalk, 

Hyposulphite  of  sodium aa  3  i. 

mixed  in  the  food,  and  if  the  discharges  continue  with  much  fa?tor, 
give: 

Oil  of  turpentine, 

Laudanum aa  3  ss. 

Eggs 3 

beat  up  in  a  pint  of  tepid  water  and  give  for  one  dose.     May  be  repeated 
two  or  three  times  daily. 


SUPERPUEGATION. 

Definition. — Is  a  result  of  over-excitation  of  the  intestines  by  pur- 
gative medicines. 

Etiology. — It  may  be  caused  by  giving  too  strong  a  purgative,  or  by 
giving  a  second  dose  before  the  first  has  had  time  to  act.  The  longer  a 
purgative  is  retained  in  the  body  the  greater  is  said  to  be  the  danger  from 
its  superaction.     "Williams  says: 


96  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERV. 

''  Superpurgation  does  not  always  depend  upon  the  strength  of  the 
dose.  In  some  instances  as  little  as  four  drachms  of  aloes  have  been  suc- 
ceeded by  fatal  consequences.  Again,  horses  in  an  obese  condition,  and 
those  suffering  from  slight  colds,  are  easily  acted  upon  by  purgative  med- 
icines, and  are  apt  to  sink  from  superpurgation.  A  full  dose  of  aloes, 
from  six  to  eight  drachms,  operating  quickly,  is  seldom  succeeded  in 
healthy  animals  by  any  evil  consequences;  the  same  quantity,  however, 
if  divided  into  two  or  more  doses,  has  a  much  more  depressing  effect,  and 
is  apt  to  be  followed  by  serious  consequences.  In  the  first  instance,  the 
quantity,  by  its  strength,  insures  its  own  expulsion;  Avhilst  in  the  second, 
the  aloes  is  absorbed  into  the  circulation,  excites  a  toxic  effect  upon  the 
system  generally,  and  reduces  the  horse  to  such  a  state  of  debility  that 
it  succumbs  to  the  purgative  influence.  The  explanation  of  the  tendency 
to  superpurgation  in  the  horse  is  to  be  found  in  the  fact  that  its  bowels 
are  extremely  vascular  in  comparison  with  those  of  other  animals,  and 
that  the  effect  of  the  purgative  acting  upon  so  vascular  a  surface  is  grave 
and  serious.  I  have  already  pointed  out  that  many  young  horses,  when 
first  brought  into  the  stable,  are  rendered  susceptible  to  various  diseases 
by  the  debilitating  influences  of  indiscriminate  purging,  and  that  such  a 
method  of  treatment  is  uncalled  for  and  irrational.  In  addition  to  the 
symptoms  described  by  Messrs.  Haycock  and  Field,  I  have  observed  that 
those  of  laminitis  are  induced  by  purgatives,  and  that  when  they  occur 
they  indicate  a  condition  of  great  gravity. 

"  The  post-mortem  appearances  are  those  of  congestion  of  the  intes- 
tinal mucous  membrane  generally,  concentrated  in  many  cases  in  that  of 
caecum  caput  coli;  a  thick,  tarry  appearance  of  the  blood,  and  extreme 
blackness,  congestion  or  apoplexy  of  the  lungs,  the  blood  being,  as  it 
were,  deprived  of  its  watery  elements,  altered  in  its  composition,  ren- 
dered too  viscid  to  circulate  through  the  pulmonary  capillaries,  and  so 
altered  chemically  as  to  be  rendered  unfit  for  perfect  oxidation. 

*'  In  order  to  prevent  the  occurrence  of  superpurgation  after  the  ad- 
ministration of  an  aloetic,  or,  more  particularly,  a  mercurial  and  aloetic 
purgative,  it  is  necessary  that  the  practitioner  should  order  the  animal  to 
be  fed  on  an  easily  digestible  diet,  such  as  warm  bran  mashes;  that  the 
quantity  of  water  should  be  restricted,  and  that  the  chill  be  taken  off  it, 
for  nothing  is  so  apt  to  induce  inordinate  intestinal  action  as  large  quan- 
tities of  cold  water  whilst  the  animal  is  in  physic.  It  is  also  necessary 
that  no  green  food,  roots,  or  other  articles  of  diet,  containing  much 


DISEASES   OF   THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS.  97 

water,  and  laxative  in  themselves,  should  be  allowed  at  this  period.  If 
a  purgative  does  not  seem  to  take  effect  in  from  twenty  to  twenty- 
four  hours  after  its  administration,  moderate  walking  exercise  is  to  be 
prescribed,  for  it  is  a  fact  that  the  longer  a  purgative  is  retained  in  the 
body,  the  greater  the  danger  from  its  superaction;  if,  however,  purging 
has  actually  commenced,  exercise,  by  increasing  it,  is  apt  to  cause  harm. 
It  is  therefore  necessary  to  keep  the  horse  quiet  until  the  physic  has 
'set.'" 

Symptoms. — Constant  purging;  debility;  weak  pulse,  a  very  offen- 
sive smell  from  the  fseces;  foBtid  breath;  eyes  becoming  glassy,  and  if 
the  bowel  become  occluded  by  inflammation,  great  distention  of  the  belly. 

Treatment. — So  long  as  the  horse  remains  moderately  lively,  the 
pulse  but  slightly  accelerated,  the  countenance  natural,  and  so  long  as 
some  appetite  remains,  it  is  unnecessary  to  take  any  active  measures  to 
restrain  the  purging,  which  is  the  natural  and  physiological  response  of 
the  intestines  to  the  action  of  the  cathartic;  it  is  therefore  irrational  and 
dangerous  to  check  it,  and  all  that  is  requisite  is  to  allow  the  horse  to  par- 
take of  demulcent  drinks,  such  as  thin  flour  gruel,  if  it  will  do  so  spon- 
taneously, at  the  same  time  keeping  it  perfectly  still,  warmly  clad,  and 
taking  care  that  it  does  not  drink  too  freely  of  anything  whatever. 
Should  there  be  any  colicky  pains,  moderate  doses  of  opium  are  to  be 
administered.  Care,  however,  must  be  taken  that  the  purging  be  not 
checked  even  by  these  means  too  suddenly;  as  the  consequence  of  this 
might  be  congestion  of  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane,  denoted  by 
tympanites,  great  prostration,  cessation  of  the  purging,  etc.,  finally  ter- 
minating in  death. 

If  the  purgation  continue,  an  endeavor  should  be  made  to  over- 
come it  gradually  but  not  too  quickly.  For  this  purpose  laudanum, 
chalk,  and  flour  gruel  are  recommended: 

Laudanum, 

Prepared  chalk aas  ij. 

Give  as  a  drench  mixed  with  a  quart  of  wheat-flour  gruel, 

every  three  or  four  hours  until  the  purging  is  checked;  hot  applications 
being  in  the  mean  while  applied  to  the  abdomen,  great  care  being  taken 
that  the  animal  has  no  access  to  cold  water  or  other  fluid,  as  its  thirst  is 
'^eat  and  it  is  apt  to  drink  inordinately;  but  it  is  essential  that  it  should 

have  small  quantities  of  flour  orruel  or  other  emollient  drink,  not  only 

7 


98 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


to  allay  the  painful  and  feverish  thirst,  but  to  keep  the  blood  in  a  proper 
fluid  condition  to  circulate  through  the  minute  pulmonary  capillaries. 
If  the  prostration  be  very  great,  stimulants,  as  wine  or  brandy,  are  to  be 
tried;  if  they  seem  to  act  beneficially,  they  are  to  be  continued,  but  not 
otherwise. 


BOTS. 


Definition. — Bots  are  a  species  of  worms  found  in  the  stomach  and 
intestines  of  horses.     Fig.  65. 


Fig.  65. 
Stomach  of  Horse  with  Larvaa  of  Gastrophilus  Equi  attached  to  its  coat. 

Etiology. — They  come  from  the  nits  or  larvas  of  the  common  gadfly 
of  the  horse,  which  may  be  seen  in  July  and  the  following  warm  months 
busily  engaged  in  laying  these  eggs  upon  the  hairs  at  various  parts,  chiefly, 
however,  about  the  inside  of  the  knee.  The  manner  in  which  this  fly 
deposits  its  eggs  is  peculiar,  and  is  well  illustrated  by  Fig.  66. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS. 


99 


It  was  formerly  supposed  that  these  eggs  were  licked  off  by  the  horse 
and  carried  upon  the  tongue  to  the  mouth,  and  thence  to  the  stomacli, 
wliere  they  were  hatched;  but  it  is  easy  to  see  that  they  are  so  firmly 
glued  to  the  hairs  that  this  is  impossible,  and  it  is  also  now  Known  that 
the  egg  comes  to  maturity  while  thus  fastened.  After  a  lapse  of  four  or 
five  days,  the  worm  is  ready  for  exit,  and  then  the  least  application  of 
warmth  and  friction,  as  the  application  of  the  horse's  tongue,  is  suflQ- 
cient  to  cause  the  eggs  to  burst  and  permit  the  worm  to  be  carried  off  to 
the  mouth  of  the  animal.  Many  are,  however,  crushed  in  the  mastication 
of  food,  others  may  drop  out,  but  enough  find  their  way  to  the  stomach 
to  cause,  sometimes,  quite  serious  inconvenience,  although  usually  they 
do  not  seem  to  act  injuriously  to  the  health  of  the  horse.  Once  in  the 
stomach,  they  fasten  themselves  to  its  inner  coat  by  two  strong  hooks, 
burying  their  heads  in  the  mucous  membrane,  upon  which  they  seem 


Fig.  66. 
Position  of  bot-fly  in  depositing  its  eggs. 

to  feed.  The  maggot  remains  in  the  stomach  during  the  autumn, 
winter,  and  sj)ring,  and  in  the  following  June  or  July,  having  become 
full  grown,  it  loosens  its  hold  and  is  voided  with  the  dung.  It  then 
buries  itself  in  the  ground,  changes  into  a  chrysalis,  and  after  six  or  seven 
weeks  emerges  in  its  perfect  state,  ready  to  continue  its  round  of  life. 

Treatment. — No  treatment  is  of  any  use  in  driving  this  parasite  out; 
once  in  its  natural  home,  it  stays  there  in  spite  of  any  effort  to  dislodge 
it.  Well  educated  men,  as  well  as  those  more  ignorant,  will  often  insist 
that  certain  remedies  will  drive  them  out,  and  the  poor  animal  suspected 
of  having  bots  is  tormented  with  all  sorts  of  worm  expellers,  and  purga- 
tive  doses.  It  may  be  positively  asserted,  however,  that  none  of  them 
can  be  of  any  use,  the  horse  may  be  killed,  and  not  the  bots.  Horses 
which  are  out  at  pasture  in  the  summer  and  fall  are  chiefly  affected  by 
the  bot;  those  kept  in  stables  are  rarely  troubled  by  it. 


100 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


WORMS. 


Head. 


Etiology. — These  are  introduced 
from  Avithout  in  either  the  food  or 
drink.  A  low  condition  of  the  system, 
pasturing  in  marshy  or  wet  ground,  or 
the  use  of  stagnant  waters  are  undoubt- 
edly predisposing  causes.  Young  animals 
are  more  subject  to  them  than  old  ones, 
and  weakly  more  than  the  strong.  They 
are,  however,  often  found  in  horses  in 
which  neither  of  these  conditions  exists. 
Worms  derive  their  nutriment  by 
suction  from  the  intestinal  secretions 
and  die  if  the  animal  dies. 

Three  kinds  are  commonly  found  in 

the  horse:  first,  the  Ascaris  himbricoides 

or  Megalocephalus,  or  long  round  worms, 

frequently  discovered  in  the  dung.  They 

inhabit    the    small    intestines,   and    are 

sometimes  twelve  inches  long  (Fig.  67). 

Second,    the    Oxyuris    vermicularis,     a 

small,  needle-like,  lively  worm,  found  in 

Male.  tS    great   numbers    in   the  large  intestines 

and  rectum.  This  worm  is  usually  white 

in  color  and   about  half  an  inch  long 

(Fig.  68).      Third,  the  Trichocephalus  dispar,  a  slender 

worm  measuring  from  two  to  four  inches  in  length,  and 

consisting  of  a  rounded  body  for  half  its  length,  with  a 

contracted,  thread-like  head.    These  are  found  in  the  large 

intestines  (Fig.  69).     Tape  worms  are  occasionally  found 

in  young  and  feeble  animals. 

Symptoms. — The  only  certain   evidence  of  worms  is 
their  detection  in  the  dung.     In  many  cases,  their  pres- 
FiG.  67.        ence  can  only  be  suspected  by  a  peculiar  hard,  dry,  rough 
coides,  female,   appearance  of  the  coat,   or  at  other  times  by  frequent 


DISEASES    OF    THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS. 


101 


whisking  and  rubbing  of  the  tail,  and  occasionally  some  dry,  white 
matter  may  be  seen  adhering  around  the  anus.  Worms  may  exist 
for  a  length  of  time  without  presenting  any  outward  appearance  which 
might  lead  to  their  detection. 

In  some  cases  they  injuriously  affect  the  health  of  the  horse,  whilst 
in  others  they  seem  to  do  no  harm. 

As  a  general  rule,  when  a  horse  has  worms  his  system  is  out  of  order 
— possibly  not  on  account  of  the  worms,  but  perhaps  the  worms  find  a 


Fig.  68. 

Oxyuris  vermicularis.  a.  Natural  size;  b, 
Head,  magnified ;  c,  Tail,  magnified  j  d, 
Head,  more  magnified. 


Fig.  69. 

Male  and  female  Trichoeephalus  dispar, 
magnified. 


suitable  tenement  in  his  intestines  because  they  are  out  of  order^  just  as 
the  mange  insect  will  lodge  in  an  unhealthy  in  preference  to  a  healthy 
skin. 

Treatment. — A  temporary  clearance  may  be  effected  by  the  follow- 
ing: 

Spirits  of  turpentine §  ij. 

Linseed  oil 1  pint. 


or  as  a  ball: 


102  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGEET. 

Calomel, 

Oil  of  male  fern, 

Aloes aa  3i. 

Ginger 3  iv. 

Linseed  meal  and  molasses .Sufficient 

for  one  ball. 

Gamgee  recommends  as  a  sure  remedy  in  cases  of  Ascaris  lumbricoi- 
des: 

Powdered  sulphur §  xij. 

Arsenic 3  i. 

Bruised  coriander  seed |  vi. 

Make  12  powders  and  give  one  daily  for  twelve  days. 

A  change  of  diet  is  always  desirable.  Salt  in  the  manger  is  benefi- 
cial. Mineral  and  vegetable  tonics  are  useful  in  improving  the  general 
condition.  Worms,  however,  notwithstanding  the  temporary  clearance 
effected  by  medicine,  are  apt  to  reappear  after  a  time  and  should  be 
looked  after  for  a  considerable  time. 


CHAPTER  lY. 

DISEASES   OF  THE   BRAIN  AND   NEEVOUS   SYSTEM. 

Encephalitis,  Phrenitis,  Mad  Staggers,  Blind  Staggers,  Sleepy  Staggers,  Coma, 
Stomach  Staggers,  Brain  Fever,  Megrims,  Vertigo,  Giddiness,  Apoplexy, 
Chorea,  Stringhalt,  Tetanus,  Trismus,  Lockjaw,  Paralysis,  Palsy,  Paraplegia, 
Hydrophobia,  Rabies,  Epizootic  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis,  Spotted  Fever, 
Putrid  Fever,  Cold  Plague,  Sunstroke. 

STAGGERS. 

Synonyms. — Phrenitis;  Encephalitis;  Mad  staggers;  Blind  staggers; 
Sleepy  staggers;  Coma;  Stomach  staggers;  Brain  fever. 

Definition. — These  diseases  may  be  primarily  affections  of  the  brain; 
they  may  and  frequently  do  arise  from  indigestion;  they  are  all  sympto- 
matic of  inflammation  of  the  brain  and  its  membranes. 

Etiology. — Staggers  commonly  have  their  origin  in  some  derange- 
ment of  the  organs  of  digestion;  it  is  probable  that  it  is  not  so  much  the 
engorgement  of  the  stomach  as  it  is  the  indigestibility  of  the  food  eaten 
which  produces  this  malady.  When  a  horse  has  fasted  any  considerable 
time,  food  should  be  given  sparingly  and  gradually,  and  at  first  it  should 
be  of  any  easily  soluble  character,  such,  for  instance,  as  oatmeal  gruel. 

All  varieties  of  this  affection  may  also  arise  from  pressure  on  the 
brain,  such  as  that  which  may  be  occasioned  by  the  formation  of  a  tu- 
mor or  an  abscess  on  the  brain  or  in  the  lateral  ventricles,  or  by  a  tumor 
in  the  head  pressing  on  the  brain.  Such  tumors,  as  they  increase,  pro- 
duce gradually  augmenting  results  either  of  coma  or  delirium,  or  of  both 


104:  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

at  different  intervals.  Or  concussion  and  pressure,  such  as  that  produced 
by  a  blow  or  fall,  may  bring  on  similar  effects.  From  such  causes  the 
blood-vessels  may  even  give  way  in  the  brain,  and  death  may  be  the  im- 
mediate result,  or  sensibility  may  be  lost  and  a  state  of  perfect  coma  may 
ensue. 

Sunstroke  or  the  effect  of  powerful  sun  and  heat,  especially  on  an 
animal  in  a  plethoric  state,  may  bring  on  affection,  usually  comatose,  of 
the  brain. 

Symptoms. — Williams  thus  describes  the  symptoms: — The  animal 
at  first  appears  dull,  listless,  falls  asleep  whilst  standing,  or  drowsily 
nods  its  head;  eats  slowly  and  at  intervals;  the  breathing  is  generally 
slower  than  is  natural,  sometimes  slightly  accelerated,  but  it  is  always  of 
a  somewhat  snoring  description.  The  pulse  is  also  slower  than  natural, 
from  twenty-six  to  thirty,  full  and  rolling.  When  made  to  walk,  it  has 
a  straggling  gait,  staggers,  and  seems  as  if  about  to  fall.  If  suddenly 
disturbed  whilst  in  the  somnolent  condition,  it  looks  around  excitedly, 
shivers  violently,  and  seems  affrighted;  but  soon  becomes  calm  again, 
and  may  remain  so  for  a  short  period,  especially  if  kept  in  a  dark,  quiet 
place.  It  now  and  then  thrusts  its  head  against  the  rack  or  wall  of  the 
stable;  moves  the  limbs  automatically;  rears,  hangs  back,  and  breaks  the 
halter,  or  gets  its  forefeet  into  the  manger,  and  elevates  the  nose  high 
up  into  the  rack.  The  eyes,  mouth,  and  rectum  are  injected,  and  of  a 
yellow  tinge.  In  some  cases,  the  yellowness  of  the  mucous  membranes 
is  a  very  prominent  symptom.  As  the  disease  advances,  the  extremities 
become  alternately  hot  and  cold;  sweats  bedew  the  body;  there  will  be 
twitchings  or  clonic  spasms  of  the  superficial  muscles  of  the  neck,  breast, 
and  hind  quarters.  Violent  convulsions  will  now  occur;  the  whole  body 
becoming  stiff  and  rigid,  and  the  respiratory  movements  extremely  diffi- 
cult. During  these  spasmodic — tonic — attacks,  the  tail  will  be  elevated, 
the  membrana  nictitans  drawn  over  the  eye,  as  if  the  animal  were  suffer- 
ing from  tetanus,  and  the  pulse  frequent,  hard,  and  wiry,  the  eyes  fixed 
and  amaurotic,  the  mouth  clammy,  and  the  urine  may  be  ejected  by  a 
convulsive  effort.  All  at  once  the  tonic  contractions  subside,  and  there 
will  be  great  muscular  debility;  the  legs  bend,  the  animal  totters,  some- 
times falls,  and  when  down  will  fight  convulsively,  and  for  a  time  be 
unable  to  rise.  By  slow  degrees  consciousness  to  some  extent  returns; 
the  animal  may  then  regain  its  feet,  and  will  perhaps  commence  to  feed; 
then  fall  asleep,  with  its  mouth  full  of  food,  or  look  about  in  a  wild, 


DISEASES    OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  105 

staring,  vacant  manner,  or  ramble  unconsciously  about  the  box,  striking 
its  head  against  everything  that  may  come  in  the  way,  the  eyes  amauro- 
tic, and  the  animal  quite  blind. 

Sometimes  there  is  flaccidity  or  paralysis  of  the  muscles  supplied  by 
the  cranial  nerves,  the  lips  are  pendulous,  and  the  tongue  hangs  out  of 
the  mouth.  At  other  times  there  will  be  tonic  spasms  of  the  facial  mas- 
ticatory muscles,  and  some  degree  of  trismus  present. 

The  disease  may  attack  the  animal  whilst  at  grass  in  the  field.  It  is 
then  observed  to  ramble  about  in  an  unconscious,  drowsy  manner,  until 
it  meets  with  some  solid  objects,  against  which  it  fixes  its  head,  and  then 
moves  its  limbs  continuously. 

In  cases  which  have  been  noticed  at  the  commencement  of  the  attack, 
some  degree  of  rigor  has  always  been  observed  premonitory  to  the  devel- 
opment of  other  symptoms. 

The  above  symptoms  are  subject  to  some  variations.  In  some  animals 
the  comatose  and  paralytic  conditions  are  the  most  prominent  through- 
out, whilst  in  others  delirium,  convulsions,  and  spasmodic  contractions 
alternate  with  the  stupor.  In  other  cases,  again,  the  spinal  system  seems 
most  affected,  when  paralysis,  without  loss  of  consciousness,  or  with  but 
a  slight  degree  of  drowsiness,  is  present. 

There  appears  to  be  a  general  ditninutiou  of  the  various  secretions; 
the  costiveness  is  obstinate;  the  urine  is  secreted  in  small  quantities,  and 
is  particularly  high  in  color.  The  function  of  the  liver  is  also  suspended, 
and  the  whole  system  becomes  tinged  with  the  non-excreted  biliary  color- 
ing matter — biliverdine. 

As  the  disease  advances,  the  coma  is  more  profound,  or  the  fits  of  ex- 
citement and  frenzy  frequent  and  of  shorter  duration,  leaving  the  animal 
more  and  more  enfeebled;  the  pulse  is  now  small  and  quick,  and  the 
breathing  stertorous  and  difficult;  profuse  sweats  bathe  the  body,  the 
sphincters  relax,  the  animal  is  unable  to  stand,  and  dies  fighting  convul- 
sively, or  in  a  state  of  profound  coma.  Sometimes  the  animal  throws 
himself  about  madly,  gets  his  feet  in  the  manger,  tears  the  rack  with  his 
1  teeth,  and  breathes  stertorously  with  his  eyes  apparently  staring  out  of 
their  sockets.  The  pupils  are  fully  dilated,  no  light  will  affect  them,  nor 
is  the  horse  sensible  of  surrounding  objects.  Some  hard  dry  dung  pellets 
or  a  small  quantity  of  highly  colored  urine  may  be  passed.  There  is 
spasmodic  contraction  of  the  muscles. 

Alternately  with  the  violent  fits,  periods  of  repose  and  drowsiness 


106  VETERINARY   MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 

often  occur,  and  the  animal  stands  exhausted  and  sweating  at  every  pore 
with  his  head  bored  into  a  corner.  During  such  intervals  the  pulse  is 
almost  in  a  state  of  collapse.  The  violent  fits  come  on  more  and  more 
quickly,  until  the  animal  is  in  a  continuous  struggle,  panting  and  per- 
spiring and  the  pulse  gradually  sinking.  If  the  case  terminates  unfavor- 
ably, death  generally  occurs  during  one  of  these  intervals,  or  apoplexy 
may  suj)ervene. 

Some  people,  who  had  not  previously  seen  the  disease,  might  think 
that  the  horse  was  actually  rabid.  In  true  rabies,  however,  the  animal 
is  not  merely  frantic,  but  positively  and  wilfully  mischievous,  and  pur- 
posely attacks  everything  dead  or  living.  This  is  not  the  case  in  mad 
staggers.     There  is  only  furious  delirium. 

Treatment. — When  the  comatose  attack  arises,  as  it  does  in  the  great 
majority  of  cases,  from  indigestion,  and  especially  whilst  it  is  yet  in  the 
early  stage,  nothing  answers  better  than  the  administration  of  a  large  dose 
of  purgative  medicine,  no  cause  for  uneasiness  as  to  possible  superpurga- 
tion  existing  in  this  disease.     Take  of 

Aloes 3  xij. 

Gentian, 

Calomel aa  7>  ij. 

Make  into  two  balls  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses. 

If  one  ball  does  not  have  the  desired  effect  after  twenty -four  or  thirty-six 
hours,  give  another.  Large  doses  of  purgative  medicine  must  be  em- 
ployed, because  the  bowels  are  always  difficult  to  move  when  the  brain  is 
affected.  An  enema  of  warm  water  may  be  thrown  up,  two  or  three 
times.  Withhold  all  food  for  a  day,  give  very  moderately  until  the  trou- 
ble is  over.  Allow  plenty  of  water  to  drink.  Keep  the  horse  quiet  and 
allow  no  noises  about  the  stable. 

Turpentine  liniment  rubbed  all  over  the  legs  will  arouse  the  secretions 
of  the  skin,  and  some  portion  of  the  turpentine  will  be  absorbed  into  the 
system,  and  will  there  act  beneficially  by  increasing  the  action  of  the  kid- 
neys. 

When  coma  arises  from  other  causes  than  indigestion,  medicinal  treat- 
ment will  not  be  of  much  avail. 

In  coma,  when  it  occurs  as  a  primary  symptom,  the  advisability  or 
otherwise  of  bleeding  depends  partly  on  the  cause  of  the  affection,  and 


DISEASES    OF   THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  107 

partly  on  the  stage.  In  the  early  stage  of  partial  coma,  arising  from  in- 
digestion, bleeding  may  be  useful,  inasmuch  as  by  reducing  the  general 
volume  of  the  blood,  it  will  relieve  the  fulness  of  the  vessels  of  the  brain. 
The  quantity  abstracted  should  not  be  large,  not  over  two  or  three  quarts, 
but  the  blood  must  be  drawn  quickly.  If  we  cause  the  strength  to  fail, 
we  shall  not  be  able  to  bring  back  the  stomach  and  bowels  to  their  nor- 
mal action.  If  the  coma  arises  from  concussion  of  the  brain,  blood  may 
be  freely  drawn,  say  five  to  six  quarts.  If,  however,  it  be  due  to  the  for- 
mation of  a  tumor  on  the  brain  or  such  like  cause,  bleeding  is  clearly  use- 
less and  so  indeed  is  all  treatment.  When  the  comatose  state,  whatever 
may  have  been  the  cause,  has  lasted  for  some  time,  bleeding  is  obviously 
inadmissible.  The  patient  is  in  far  too  reduced  a  state  to  admit  of  such 
a  depleting  measure. 

In  mad  staggers  the  same  course  of  treatment  as  has  been  recom- 
mended for  the  comatose  phase  is  desirable  and  should  be  applied,  as  far 
as  circumstances  may  admit  in  any  particular  case.  But  except  in  the  very 
early  stage  or  in  mild  attacks  it  is  generally  almost  impossible  to  apply 
those  remedies  on  account  of  the  violence  of  the  animal. 

As  boon  as  decided  signs  of  frenzy  appear,  whether  as  a  primary  symp- 
tom or  supervening  on  coma,  copious  bleeding  (whatever  may  have  been 
the  cause  of  the  attack)  is  the  appropriate  remedy.  The  blood  should  be 
allowed  to  flow  irrespective  of  quantity.  On  the  authority  of  Prof.  Wil- 
liams, it  may  be  four,  five,  six,  or  even  eight  quarts,  but  other  writers  do 
not  recommend  such  large  quantities.  There  is  often,  however,  great 
difficulty  and  risk  to  the  operator  in  applying  this  remedy,  and  indeed  in 
some  cases  of  frantic  delirium  it  is  impossible  to  approach  the  patient. 
If  it  be  not  possible  to  open  the  jugular  vein,  it  may  be  possible  to  cut 
the  temporal  artery.  This  class  of  affections  of  the  brain  yield  more 
readily  to  the  influence  of  blood-letting  than  to  any  other  remedy.  If  we 
cannot  very  quickly  abate  the  phrenitic  symptoms,  the  patient  will  die. 

As  topical  relief,  both  in  the  comatose  and  also  in  the  mad  stages  (if 
possible),  cold  wet  cloths  should  be  constantly  applied  to  the  head,  and 
a  stream  of  cold  water  should  be  poured  on  them  from  above. 

Blisters  to  the  head  and  neck  are  not  advisable  during  the  acute  symp- 
toms, whether  comatose  or  phrenitic,  as  they  tend  to  increase  the  de- 
rangement. But  when  the  attack  seems  to  become  chronic,  they  may  be 
beneficially  applied,  or  a  seton  may  be  inserted.     The  latter  generally 


108  VETEKINARY   MEDICINE    AND    8UEGEET. 

answers  Dest.  In  all  cases  the  Tjatient  should  be  placed  in  a  cool,  airy, 
darkened  box. 

The  duration  of  the  comatose  state  is  very  uncertain.  When  arising 
from  indigestion,  it  will  probably  be  over,  in  favorable  cases,  in  twenty- 
four  hours;  or  it  will  run  on  into  mad  staggers  with  occasional  intervals 
of  coma.  A  decided  change  for  better  or  worse  will  probably  take  place 
in  from  one  to  three  days.  When  the  coma  arises  from  a  tumor  or  ab- 
scess on  the  brain,  or  from  a  tumor  in  the  head  pressing  on  the  brain, 
the  case  may  last  for  weeks  or  months  if  the  animal  be  allowed  to  live 
so  long.  In  such  cases  it  is  a  mercy  to  shoot  the  horse  and  put  him  out 
of  his  misery.  In  concussion  of  the  brain  the  comatose  symptoms  may 
last  a  considerable  time,  but  the  patient  will  not  long  survive  repeated 
attacks  of  a  violent  pain. 

In  mad  staggers,  encephalitis,  phrenitis,  or  bram  fever,  from  what- 
ever cause  proceeding,  the  exhaustion  produced  by  the  violence  of  the 
disease  will  probably  cause  the  animal  to  sink  in  a  few  days,  unless  relief 
is  obtained. 

Therefore,  when  the  disease  has  taken  a  favorable  turn  and  the 
patient  is  recovering,  most  careful  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  diet,  to 
good  nursing,  fresh  air,  and  the  administration  of  tonics,  as: 

Iodide  of  potassium, 

Nux  vomica i aa.3  i. 

Given  in  the  animal's  food  twice  daily  for  a  time.  The  regular  action  of 
the  bowels  should  be  established,  and  tonics  will  be  found  of  advantage 
in  bringing  up  the  general  tone  of  the  animal.  The  following  may  be 
used : 

Sulphate  of  iron |  ss. 

Gentian 3  i  j. 

Make  into  a  ball. 

The  feeding  should  be  liberal  and  of  good  quality.  The  strength  of  the 
patient  is  always  greatly  reduced  by  the  attack,  if  severe,  and  especially 
jif  prolonged. 

MEGRIMS. 

Synonyms.— Vertigo;  Giddiness. 

Definition. — Vertigo,  more  common.y  called  megrims,  is  an  affection 


DISEASES    OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    A'EKVOUS    SYSTEM.  109 

of  the  brain,  but  the  nature  of  the  disease  is  not  well  understood.  By 
some  veterinarians  it  has  been  defined  to  be  a  momentary  and  i:)assing 
congestion  of  the  brain. 

Etiology. — High  feeding  with  occasional  overwork.  Collars  which 
fit  badly  and  press  on  the  veins  which  convey  the  blood  from  the  head. 
Intervals  of  overstrain  on  hot  muggy  days,  and  tight  checking  up,  seem 
somehow  to  have  an  influence  in  producing  it.  Indigestion  and  consti- 
pation, worms  and  hereditary  tendency  are  among  the  causes  of  megrims. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  very  sudden  and  peculiar.  There  are 
seldom  any  premonitory  symptoms.  The  animal  suddenly  shakes  and 
throws  up  his  head,  or  shakes  it  violently  or  reels  and  then  stands  for  a 
minute  or  two  dull  and  listless,  or  runs  round,  and  falls  to  the  ground, 
remaining  for  a  few  moments  partially  insensible  or  in  a  state  of  violent 
convulsion.  The  attack  rapidly  passes  away,  the  horse  rises  in  a  minute 
or  two,  shakes  himself  and  proceeds  as  if  nothing  had  happened,  though 
perhaps  he  may  appear  somewhat  debilitated.  During  the  fit  his  urine 
or  dung  may  escape  from  him  involuntarily.  The  attacks  are  usually 
periodical,  and  occur  chiefly  during  hot  weather  and  at  severe  harness 
work. 

There  is  seldom  any  outward  sign  which  indicates  liability  to  this 
disease.  On  the  contrary,  the  horse  generally  looks  well,  has  a  good 
appetite,  and  shows  no  special  nervousness  or  dulness. 

Treatment. — If  the  attack  comes  on  while  driving,  stop  immediately 
and  loosen  the  check  rein,  the  throat  latch,  and  the  collar.  If  after 
standing  a  minute  or  so  the  excitement  continues,  take  the  harness  all 
off  and  pour  cold  water  on  his  head.  After  the  attack  is  over,  lead  the 
horse  home  and  put  him  into  a  loose  box,  feed  him  bran  mashes  and  give 
plenty  of  water  to  drink.     A  purgative  will  be  of  service.     Take  of 

Aloes 3  iv.  to  3  vi. 

Ground  ginger 3  i j. 

Molasses sufficient 

To  form  one  ball. 

As  a  preventive,  keep  the  animal  in  fair,  not  high  condition,  and  in 
regular  work,  with  diet  sujaiciently  laxative  to  insure  his  bowels  being 
moderately  open. 

An  overloaded  or  deranged  state  of  the  bowels  is  apt  to  aflect  injuri- 
ously the  functions  of  the  brain. 


110  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 

A  piece  of  wet  sponge  secured  on  the  head  and  along  the  forehead,  or 
a  shade  over  the  eyes,  especially  in  sunny  weather,  will  sometimes  pre- 
vent attacks.  In  lieu  of  a  collar  for  harness  work,  a  breast  band  should 
be  substituted,  and  the  check  rein  abolished. 

A  megrimcd  horse,  however,  is  not  to  be  depended  on,  certainly  not 
in  harness.  The  attacks  may  perhaps  be  warded  off  by  careful  attention 
to  diet,  regular  work,  and  occasional  physic;  but  sultry  weather,  hot  sun, 
or  hard  work  may  cause  a  recurrence  of  the  attack.  It  is  an  incurable 
disease. 

APOPLEXY. 

Synonym. — Cerebral  Haemorrhage. 

Horses  are  sometimes  struck  down  by  apoplexy  as  by  a  blow,  and  lose 
all  sense  and  power  of  motion,  and  death  quickly  ends  the  scene.     Post- 
mortem examination  often  reveals  a  congested  state  of  the  vessels  of  the 
brain  and  its  meninges.     In  horses,  apoplexy  is  almost  always  due  to 
rupture  of  degenerated  blood-vessels.     There  may  be  some  premonitory 
symptoms,  such  as  staggering  and  partial  paralysis,  but  generally  the 
animal  falls  suddenly  without  warning.     After  falling  it  may  lie  prostrate, 
in  a  state  of  unconsciousness,  without  the  power  of  voluntary  motion, 
perfectly  insensible   to  surrounding  objects,  and   dead   to  all  ordinary 
feelings,  with  its  eyes  wide  open  and  presenting  a  ghastly  stare,  the  pu- 
pils dilated  and  insensitive  to  the  light — amaurotic.     The  breathing  is 
stertorous,  the  pulse  small,  rapid,  and  thready,  the  surface  of  the  body 
cold,  or  bedewed  with  a  cold  sweat,  the  limbs  flaccid,  the  mouth  open, 
and  filled  with  frothy  saliva,  and  in  some  severe  cases  the  sphincters  are 
relaxed.     In  other  instances  the  animal  may  still  retain  the  power  of 
muscular  movements;  but  they  are  irregular,  and  intermixed  with  spas- 
modic contractions.  Whilst  down,  it  fights  convulsively,  presses  the  back 
of  its  head  violently  against  the  wall  or  other  solid  body.     Some  degree 
of  opisthotonos  is  present,  the  back  is  arched  downward,  and  the  hind 
legs  extended  backward.     The  eyes  move  about  convulsively,  or  there 
may  be  persistent  strabismus  of  one  or  both  of  them;  the  pupils  may  be 
dilated  or  contracted,  alternately  contracted  and  dilated,  or  they  may  be 
natural,  or  one  may  be  contracted,  and  the  other  natural  or  even  dilated. 
The  respiratory  movements  are  sometimes  spasmodic;   now  and  then 
there  may  be  a  stertorous  sound;  at  other  times  sighing,  and  sometimes 


DISEASES    OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    8YSTRM.  HI 

expressions  o£  great  pain,  as  if  the  animal  had  been  sharply  "wounded 
with  a  cutting  instrument. 

These  symptoms  may  alternate  "with  interyals  of  quietude,  when  the 
animal  will  fall  into  the  comatose  condition.  The  pulse  may  then  fall 
below  its  natural  standard,  and  the  respiratory  movements  may  become 
slower  than  natural,  with  heavy,  deep  inspirations.  The  various  secre-( 
tions  are,  in  all  cases,  suspended,  and  the  animal  gradually  sinks  from 
increasing  brain  pressure,  or  suddenly  from  renewed  extravasation. 

Apoplexy  differs  from  coma  and  encephalitis  in  rendering  the  animal 
totally  unconscious.  If  relief  is  obtained,  which,  however,  is  rare,  the 
case  usually  resolves  itself  into  a  state  of  partial  coma,  more  or  less 
intense. 


CHOREA. 

Synonym. — Stringhalt. 

Definition. — A  convulsive,  involuntary  twitch  of  the  muscles  which 
flex  the  leg,  by  which  the  foot  is  pulled  up  with  a  sudden  jerk  and  higher 
than  natural,  and  replaced  with  considerable  force. 

Etiology. — It  is  due  to  some  affection  of  the  nerves  wnich  is  not  yet 
clearly  understood. 

In  some  cases  it  may  be  traced  to  the  pressure  of  some  bony  growth 
on  a  nerve;  but  as  a  general  rule  we  are  unable  to  account  for  the  affec- 
tion, nor  do  post-mortem  examinations  always  show  any  abnormal  state 
of  the  nerves. 

The  disease  varies  very  much  in  degree  or  intensity  in  various  cases, 
but  most  generally  affects  both  hind  legs  and  becomes  worse  with  age.  It 
is  occasionally  noticed  in  the  foreleg. 

In  the  early  stage  it  is  most  easily  detected,  when  the  animal  is  first 
put  in  motion. 

Sometimes  the  horse  will  take  a  number  of  steps  without  showing  any 
evidence  of  it,  and  then  the  foot  will  be  suddenly  Jerked  from  the  ground; 
so,  too,  he  will  sometimes  exhibit  signs  of  the  disease  only  in  turning 
round  from  right  to  left  or  vice  versa,  the  unnatural  gait  not  always  ac- 
companying both  motions. 

No  treatment  produces  any  beneficial  effect. 


112  VETERINAKT    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


TETANUS. 

Synonyms. — Lockjaw;  Trismus. 

Definition. — Tetanus  is  a  persistent  contraction  without  any  relaxa- 
tion or  alternation  of  the  voluntary  muscles;  when  the  affection  is  confined 
to  the  jaws,  it  is  termed  trismus. 

Etiology. — The  immediate  cause  of  tetanus  is  some  abnormal  condi- 
tion of  the  nerves  and  their  peripheral  centres.  A  part  of  the  brain,  and 
the  spinal  cord  in  particular,  either  partially  or  throughout,  is  involved. 

Tetanus  is  most  commonly  induced  by  picking  up  rusty  nails  or  other 
bits  of  iron,  causing  an  injury  to  the  sensitive  portion  of  the  foot. 

It  also  follows,  at  times,  surgical  operations;  docking  has  been  known 
to  induce  it  in  a  number  of  instances.  The  inflnence  of  local  circumstan- 
ces and  meteorological  conditions  are  recognized  in  causing  a  tendency 
to  tetanus. 

Why,  or  under  what  circumstances  injury  to  the  end  of  a  nerve  will 
produce  this  terrible  disease,  is,  as  yet,  wholly  inexplicable.  Tetanus  re- 
sulting from  any  such  cause  is  termed  '*  traumatic." 

It  also  arises  not  infrequently  from  any  sudden  chill  to  the  back  or  loins, 
such  as  that  caused  by  a  horse  being  left  to  stand  in  a  draught  whilst 
sweating,  especially  if  the  saddle  has  been  removed.  When  there  is  no 
external  or  at  least  no  perceptible  external  injury,  the  disease  is  termed 
^'idiopathic." 

When  the  muscles  of  the  face  and  jaws  alone  are  affected  it  is  termed 
"Trismus." 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  characterized  by  more  or  less  closure  of 
the  jaws,  sometimes  the  teeth  are  firmly  fixed  together,  great  difficulty 
in  swallowing,  rigidity  of  the  limbs  and  extreme  difficulty  in  moving. 
The  animal  also  pokes  out  his  nose,  as  if  suffering  from  sore  throat.  As 
the  disease  advances,  the  jaws  become  so  tightly  locked  that  neither  food 
nor  medicine  can  be  introduced  through  them. 

Within  three  or  four  days  and  sometimes  earlier,  the  symptoms  reach 
their  height.  The  ears  are  erect  and  turned  forward,  the  eyes  are  retracted, 
and  the  haw  is  partially  protruded  over  them.  Fig.  70.  The  nostrils  are  di- 
lated. The  animal  stands  persistently,  his  legs  are  stretched  wide  apart  and 
look  more  like  wooden  stilts  than  living  structures.  The  tail  is  upraised,  the 


DISP^ASES    OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM. 


113 


belly  is  tense  and  tucked  up,  and  the  muscles  everywhere  stand  out  pro- 
minent and  rigid. 

The  voluntary  muscles  of  the  internal  structures  are  similarly  affected. 
The  involuntary  muscles  of  the  intestines,  on  the  other  hand,  are  torpid, 
because  the  nervous  force  seems  to  be  monopolized  in  the  voluntary  mus- 
cles. Hence  arise  the  obstinate  constipation  and  torpidity  of  the  urinary 
bladder  which  usually  form  so  marked  a  feature  in  this  disease. 

Notwithstanding  the  intense  contraction  and  rigidity  of  the  muscles, 
the  jiatient  is  highly  sensitive  and  shrinks  from  the  slightest  touch  or 
approach  to  a  touch.  He  sweats  profusely  and  groans  from  pain.  A 
very  marked  symptom  of  the  disease  consists  in  rapid  protrusion  of  the 
haw  over  the  eye,  if  the  horse  is  touched  under  the  chin,  or  if  his  head 
is  elevated. 


Fig.  70. 
Protrusion  of  the  haw  over  the  eye  on  elevation  of  the  nose,  characteristic  of  tetanus. 


Death,  unless  the  symptoms  are  relieved,  generally  occurs  in  from  two 
to  twelve  days. 

Tetanus,  in  some  cases,  by  seizing  at  once  or  almost  at  once  on  some 
vital  organ,  such  as  the  heart,  may  produce  death  very  speedily,  with 
scarcely  any  outward  symptoms  except  great  pain  and  rapidly  increasing 
prostration. 

Treatment. — The  disease  lies  in  that  part  of  the  nervous  system 

which  controls  the  voluntary  muscles;  and  consists  in  rigidity,  not  in  in- 
8 


114:  VETERINAKY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGEKY. 

flammation  of  the  muscles.  It  is  said  post-mortem  examinations  have 
shown  that  the  nerves  leading  from  the  injured  parts  present  some  signs 
of  inflammation. 

Bleeding,  aconite,  opium,  and  such  reducing  remedies  seldom  have 
any  good  effect.  Blisters  applied  down  the  line  of  the  spine  likewise  do 
harm,  inasmuch  as  they  increase  the  general  irritability,  and  tendency 
to  spasms. 

The  exciting  cause  should  be  sought  for.  If  it  is  a  wound  of  the 
foot,  the  offending  substance  must  be  removed  and  the  opening  enlarged 
to  give  free  passage  for  the  pus  which  has  accumulated  and  will  do  so. 
It  is  good  practice  to  pare  down  the  sole  of  the  hoof  quite  thin  about 
the  hole,  in  order  to  render  it  still  easier  for  the  pus  to  escape.  Apply  a 
poultice  of  : 

Ground  flaxseed, 

Warm  water aa  sufficient. 

Laudanum  or  belladonna  may  be  added  to  this  poultice  with  advantage. 
The  medicinal  agents  that  have  been  used  in  the  treatment  of  tetanus 
are  numerous:  purgatives,  opium,  tobacco.  Calabar  bean,  woorara,  prussic 
acid,  calomel,  chloroform,  belladonna,  hyoscyamus,  cannabis  indica, 
arsenic,  chloral  hydrate,  etc.  It  is  considered  advisable  to  give  at  first  a 
purgative  if  it  can  be  done     ithout  exciting  the  horse. 

Powdered  aloes 3  vi. 

Ground  flaxseed, 

Molasses  aa  sufficient 

To  make  one  ball. 

If  the  animal  shows  symptoms  of  excitement  give 

Extract  belladonna , 3  iv. 

This  may  be  smeared  on  the  animal's  teeth  or  tongue  and  will  be 
licked  off  and  swallowed. 

The  calabar  bean,  given  in  doses  of  two  to  four  ounces  of  the  tincture, 
has  a  most  wonderful  effect  upon  the  spasms,  the  pulse,  and  the  breath- 
ing; but  this  effect  is  very  transient,  and  is  succeeded  by  a  return  of  the 
spasms  with  great  severity.     The  seat  of  the  wound  is  from  time  to  time 


DISEASES    OF   THE    BRAIN    AUD    NERVOUS    SYSTTM.  115 

to  be  smeared  with  the  extract  of  belladonna;  and  when  the  belladonna 
is  administered  internally,  it  should  be  either  dissolved  in  the  animal's 
mash  or  drink  or  else  placed  between  his  teeth,  allowance  being  made 
for  the  probable  waste. 

Perfect  rest  and  quiet  are  the  great  desiderata  in  treatment.  The 
patient  should  be  placed  in  a  loose  box  and  the  light  darkened,  and  no 
one  except  his  regular  attendant  should  be  allowed  to  enter.  Even  he 
sliould  go  in  as  seldom  as  possible.  Any  excitement  invariably  increases 
the  spasms.  The  skin  of  a  newly  flayed  sheep  may  be  placed  over  the 
loins,  and  the  patient  must  be  kept  warm  by  extra  clothing  and  bandages. 
In  some  instances,  however,  the  skin  of  the  sheep  will  cause  irritation, 
and  even  the  weight  of  the  clothing  may  have  this  effect.  If  this  should 
be  found  to  be  the  case,  the  animal  had  better  be  left  without  clothing; 
or  a  very  light  sheet  may  be  worn.  Again,  in  many  cases  the  straw  will 
cause  irritation,  and,  if  so,  tan  or  sawdust  may  be  substituted  for  it. 
Keep  a  pail  of  water  in  which  a  couple  of  handfuls  of  oatmeal  has  been 
stirred  up,  constantly  in  the  loose  box,  so  that  the  horse  can  have  it  when- 
ever he  feels  the  least  desire  to  drink.  It  is  well  also  to  put  a  bran  mash, 
with 

Extract  of  belladonna 3  ij- 

in  it,  in  the  manger  twice  daily.  If  it  is  not  eaten,  clean  it  out  and  put 
in  a  fresh  one  at  the  proper  time.  If  the  horse  will  sip  it  at  all,  it  is  even 
better  to  mix  it  with  milk  instead  of  water. 

Some  recommend  putting  the  horse  in  slings  as  soon  as  the  disease  is 
pronounced,  and  in  cases  which  progress  rapidly  it  is  well  to  do  so,  since, 
if  the  animal  falls,  he  will  excite  and  strain  himself  terribly  in  his  efforts 
to  rise. 

The  prospect  of  recovery  is  not  usually  good.  A  young  well-nourished 
animal  is  far  more  likely  to  get  well  than  an  old  exhausted  horse. 


PARALYSIS. 

Synonyms.— Palsy;  Paraplegia. 

Definition. — More  or  less  complete  loss  of  voluntary  motion,  accom- 
panied in  some  cases  by  insensibility  in  the  parts  affected. 


116  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Etiology. — Commonly  partial  paralysis  or  palsy  in  the  horse  arises 
from  indigestion,  constipation,  injuries  to  the  spinal  cord  from  violence, 
fractures,  etc.,  and  in  mares  from  uterine  irritation  also. 

Symptoms. — When  resulting  from  injuries,  the  paralysis  usually  in- 
cludes those  j)arts  of  thebody  supplied  with  nerves  from  the  neighborhood 
of  the  injury,  and  comes  on  almost  at  once,  the  loss  of  power  being  quite 
evident.  When  caused  by  colic,  the  approach  of  the  attack  is  more  grad- 
ual, begining  with  the  hind  legs  knuckling  at  the  fetlock,  and  eventually 
the  loss  of  i^ower  is  so  great  that  the  animal  falls  upon  his  haunches. 
After  a  time,  the  violence  of  the  attack  will  pass  away,  leaving  its  effects 
in  weak  limbs  and  tottering  gait  which  may  require  a  number  of  days 
before  it  disappears. 

Treatment. — When  the  spinal  cord  is  affected,  no  treatment  will  do 
any  good.  If  the  paralysis  is  reflex,  the  cause  should  be  removed.  When 
due  to  indigestion,  give  at  once: 

Powdered  aloes 3  vi. 

Calomel 3   i. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal  or  bran,  and  molasses. 

Apply  cloths  wrung  out  in  hot  water  to  the  loins,  and  renew  often  enough 
to  keep  warm. 

If  the  paralysis  is  persistent,  give: 

Extr.  nux  vomica, 

Iodide  of  potassium aa  3  i. 

This  may  be  given  in  the  drinking  water,  or  with  the  animal's  food, 
twice  a  day;  discontinue  as  soon  as  involuntary  twitchings  show  them- 
selves in  the  muscles. 

The  use  of  a  mild  blister  along  the  spinal  cord  and  over  the  loins  is 
recommended,  for  which  purjDOse  the  best  is: 

Biniodide  of  mercury 1  part 

Lard 16  parts 

As  tonic,  to  be  given  during  recovery,  iron  is  especially  useful: 

Sulphate  of  iron 3   i. 

Powdered  gentian 3    iv. 

Mix  with  the  food  and  give  daily. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  117 


HYDROPHOBIA. 

Synonym.— Eabies. 

This  disease  is  considered  to  originate  nearly  always  with  dogs,  but 
seldom  "with  the  feline  race. 

Etiology. — In  the  horse,  always  the  bite  of  an  infected  animal. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  manifested  in  a  variety  of  Avays.  In 
some  cases  it  commences  by  great  apparent  distress,  with  sudden  perspi- 
rations over  the  body;  unruliness,  the  horse  stamping  and  pawing  violent- 
ly, finally  becoming  frantic,  and  destroying  everything  within  its  reach. 
In  other  cases,  along  with  restlessness,  there  is  manifested  a  desire  to  bite 
the  seat  of  injury. 

In  the  stallion  and  mare  it  is  stated  that  the  sexual  desire  is  aug- 
mented; that  the  stallion  has  frequent  erections,  and  neighs  in  a  harsh 
tone,  and  the  mare  stands  with  her  hind  legs  apart,  showing  signs  of 
oestrum. 

Treatment. — Can  only  be  preventive.  Shave  off  the  hair  about  the 
injured  part,  so  as  to  surely  find  any  scratch,  and  cauterize  the  wounds 
with  nitrate  of  silver.  If  the  wounds  are  deep,  they  should  be  freely  ex- 
cised before  the  application  of  the  caustic.  It  is  not  every  horse  bitten 
by  a  rabid  animal  to  whicli  the  disease  is  communicated,  and  while  it 
requires  only  a  few  weeks  in  some  cases  for  the  symptoms  to  show  them- 
selves, it  may  be  several  months,  and  perhaps  it  may  never  appear.  It 
is,  therefore,  best  to  keep  a  bitten  horse  quiet  for  a  month  or  two  after 
he  has  received  the  suspected  injuries.  Place  him  in  a  loose  box,  feed 
him  well,  but  moderately,  and  give  him  gentle  exercise.  If  the  symptoms 
ajDpear,  the  horse  should  be  shot  without  unnecessary  delay,  both  to  save 
him  from  intense  suffering  and  to  avoid  any  injury  he  might  do  to  his 
surroundings  in  his  spasms  of  frenzy.     There  is  no  cure  for  the  disease. 


EPIZOOTIC  CEREBRO-SPINAL  MENINGITIS. 

Synonyms. — Spotted  fever;  Putrid  fever;  Cold  plague. 

Definition. — This  form  of  disease  is  characterized  by  inflammation 
of  the  membranes  and  surface  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord.  It  is  an 
epidemic  non-contagious  disease,  and  is  usually  very  malignant. 


118  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Etiology. — The  causes  are  not  clearly  settled,  but  the  disease  is  sup- 
posed to  be  due  to  a  specific  poison  existing  in  the  air.  Well-fed  and 
high-bred  animals  are  quite  as  often  attacked  as  others. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  may  approach  gradually,  and  this  is  by 
far  the  less  fatal  form.  The  horse  will  at  first  be  noticed  to  be  dull  and 
have  a  staggering  gait,  with  more  and  more  paralysis,  usually  of  the 
hind  extremities.  This  extends  over  from  one  to  three  days,  when  the 
coma,  generally  not  deep,  comes  on.  The  animal  is  comparatively  easily 
roused,  and  unless  a  relapse  occurs,  the  case  almost  always  does  well,  as 
far  as  the  acute  attack  is  concerned,  but  the  paralysis  which  follows  this 
form  is,  in  old  horses,  apt  to  be  obstinate.  Eelapse  may  occur  at  any 
time  daring  the  first  six  or  eight  days,  or  even  later,  and  may  i^rove 
fatal  to  a  case  which  seems  to  be  doing  nicely. 

Occasionally  the  horse  is  seized  with  all  the  suddenness  of  a  spasm. 
The  muscles  of  the  neck,  but  especially  those  of  the  hind  quarters,  be- 
come corded,  fixed,  and  rigid,  and  soon  grow  deathly  cold  to  the  touch. 
This  tetanic  state  of  the  muscles  may  last  some  hours,  giving  Avay  finally 
to  flaccidity  of  the  whole  muscular  system,  complete  anaesthesia,  coma, 
and  death  in  from  twelve  to  seventy-two  hours.  Secondly,  and  this  is 
the  most  common  form  in  which  the  disease  appears,  there  are  premoni- 
tory signs,  such  as  rigors,  dulness  of  the  eyes,  and  lassitude  of  the  whole 
system;  followed  in  from  three  hours  to  dfe  many  days  by  paralysis, 
general  or  partial,  more  commonly  the  latter,  generally  affecting  the 
muscles  of  the  loins  and  hind  extremities,  more  or  less  coma  accompany- 
ing this  stage.  In  some  few  cases  delirium  has  ensued.  The  jDatient  is 
frantic,  beating  its  head  against  the  wall  or  floor,  as  the  case  may  be, 
with  great  violence,  uttering  the  most  horrible  cries,  and  soon  dying  in 
great  agony.  In  such  cases  recovery  is  so  rare  that  it  is  best  to  destroy 
the  animal. 

The  2ndse  during  the  first  few  days  is  not  materially  altered. 

Temjierature  of  the  surface  of  the  body  is  lower  than  in  health. 

The  hoivels  are  generally  constipated,  but  may  be  unaffected  or  even 
loose,  and  in  rare  cases  the  fgeces  may  be  passed  involuntarily.  This  is 
said  never  to  be  seen  except  in  fatal  cases,  and  within  twelve  or  fifteen 
hours  of  death. 

TJie  urine  in  appearance  is  generally  normal,  and  passed  without 
difficulty;  indeed,  incontinence  is  not  uncommon,  especially  in  mares. 
It  may  be  retained  from  paralysis,  in   which  case  it  is,  when  drawn. 


DISEASES  OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  119 

found  to  be  of  a  dark  color,  offensive  and  ropy,  due  to  the  rapid  decom- 
position of  urea,  caused  by  unhealthy  secretions  from  the  walls  of  the 
bladder.  I  have  met  with  one  or  two  cases  in  geldings  in  which 
priapism  was  present;  and  in  mares  signs  of  oestrum  are  almost  always 
apparent,  with  intense  congestion  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
vagina. 

The  Ireatldng  is  more  or  less  stertorous,  seeming  to  depend  upon  the 
depth  of  the  coma. 

In  the  diagnosis,  this  fever  should  never  be  confounded  with  spinal 
meningitis  or  acute  paralysis,  which  occurs  at  all  times  of  the  year,  and 
in  isolated  cases,  presenting  much  the  same  symptoms  as  the  fever;  but 
it  is  not  so  malignant,  and  approaches  much  more  gradually,  and,  ex- 
cept in  cases  arising  from  mechanical  injury,  generally  follows  some 
other  disease,  such  as  rheumatism,  purpura  hsemorrhagia,  severe  influ- 
enza, etc.  It  is  indicace  dby  rapid  prostration,  followed  by  paralysis 
with  usual  but  not  constant  constipation.  The  pulse  and  temperature 
are  not  guides  during  t  le  early  stages. 

The  lorognosis  should  in  all  cases  be  guarded,  but  the  more  rapidly 
the  disease  develops  itself,  the  more  reason  have  we  to  dread  its  results. 
The  malady  progressing,  the  unfavorable  symptoms  are,  deep  coma,  ab- 
normally slow  pulse,  cold  extremities,  and  labored  breathing. 

Treatment.  —The  supply  of  blood  to  the  spinal  cord  is  undoubtedly 
too  great,  and  must  be  lessened;  but  this  cannot  be  safely  accomi^lished 
by  bleeding  in  these  cases.  The  first  thing  is,  if  possible,  to  raise  the 
patient,  and  put  it  into  a  comfortable  sling,  or  if  it  be  unconscious,  so 
that  this  is  impossible,  make  a  large  thick  bed  of  straw,  place  the  patient 
on  it,  and  see  that  it  is  carefully  rubbed  and  turned  as  often  as  every 
two  hours.  This  must  be  strictly  attended  to,  for  the  position  of  the 
animal,  as  well  as  the  disease,  tends  to  improper  circulation  of  the  blood, 
from  which  nothing  but  bad  results  can  be  expected.  Unless  the  pa- 
tient is  slung  within  twenty-four  hours  from  time  of  attack,  there  is  but 
slight  hope  for  a  recovery.  Having  got  it  into  the  sling,  the  treatment 
is  (if  the  horse  will  bear  it  without  showing  signs  of  irritation)  to  have  it 
well  rubbed  down  with  a  brush,  especially  about  the  extremities;  it  must 
be  well  clothed,  and  its  legs  dry  bandaged  with  flannel  cloths.  The  ap- 
petite, if  the  horse  is  conscious,  is  generally  good.  It  should  be  allowed 
a  fair  quantity  of  good  soft  food,  such  as  boiled  oats,  carrots,  etc.,  and  a 
small  quantity  of  hay;  remembering  always  that  the  bowels  are  apt  to  be 


120  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND   SURGEKT. 

costive,  and  that  it  is  better  for  the  patient  if  they  can  be  regulated 
without  physic. 

As  to  the  medical  treatment,  there  is  a  great  diversity  of  opinion 
amongst  practitioners  as  to  what  is  the  right  mode.  Some  bleed  and  purge, 
generally  with  bad  results;  others  blister  the  spine  anterior  to  the  seat 
of  inflammation  (as  indicated  by  pressure),  with  a  mixture  of  turpentine 
and  mustard,  with  the  idea  that  the  disease  is  on  a  march  from  the 
brain,  and  that  this  will  put  an  effective  barrier  in  its  path.  Bella- 
donna, colchicum,  sal  ammoniac,  carbonate  of  ammonia,  and  many  other 
substances,  have  been  used  with  better  or  worse  results.  The  use  of 
atropine,  injected  subcutaneously  : 

Sulphate  of  atropine Til  v. 

Or,  in  place  of  this,  take  of 

Belladonna 3  iij. 

Ergot I  i. 

Make  into  a  ball,  and  give  one,  two  or  three  times  a  day, 

to  be  followed  by  stimulants  and   tonics  during  convalescence,  but  the 
stimulants  must  be  used  cautiously  at  first. 

Whatever  treatment  is  adopted,  the  aim  should  be  to  reduce  the  sup- 
ply of  blood  to  the  cord,  and  keep  the  general  circulation  in  as  normal  a 
condition  as  possible,  at  the  same  time  keeping  up  the  animal  strength 
as  much  as  we  are  able.  If,  after  two  or  three  days,  the  bowels  continue 
costive,  and  do  not  respond  to  an  enema,  a  physic  ball : 

Aloes -  . . .  3  vi. 

Ginger 3  ij. 

Molasses suflScient 

may  be  given. 

EPILEPSY. 

Synonym.— Fits. 

Definition. — A  disease  of  the  nervous  system,  characterized  by  r^d- 
den  convulsions  ;  not  very  common  in  the  horse. 

Etiology. — Not  as  yet  satisfactorily  demonstrated. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    BKAIN    AND    NEKVOUS    SYSTEM.  121 

Symptoms. — The  premonitory  signs  of  epilepsy  in  the  horse  are  not 
easily  recognized  or  detected.  The  first  indications  we  usually  have  of 
an  attack  is  a  staggering  gait,  a  champing  and  grinding  of  the  teeth, 
rapidly  followed  by  loss  of  consciousness,  and  falling  to  the  ground  in 
convulsions. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  during  an  attack  consists  in  giving 
plenty  of  fresh  air,  and  in  dashing  cold  water  over  the  head.  In  the  inter- 
vals between  attacks,  it  is  well  to  clear  out  the  bowels  by  a  purge,  and 
unless  contra-indicated,  to  treat  for  worms ;  give  : 

Oil  of  turpentine |  ij. 

Linseed  oil |  x. 

or, 

Calomel, 

OU  of  male  fern, 

Aloes aa  3  i. 

Ginger 3  iv. 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses aa  suflScient. 

Make  one  ball,        * 

to  be  followed  in  a  day  or  two  by 

Linseed  oil 1  pint. 

Or  if  it  is  easier  to  administer  a  ball,  give: 

Aloes  3  vi. 

Gentian 3  ij- 

Linseed  meal sufficient. 

Make  one  ball  with  molasses. 

Or  the  following  is  a  still  better  purge  in  these  cases  : 

Sulphate  of  iron  |  i. 

Aloes 3  iv. 

Linseed  meal suflBcient. 

Make  one  ball  with  molasses. 


122  VETEKINAKY   MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 


SUNSTROKE. 

Synonyms. — Thermal  fever. 

Definition. — An  affection  of  the  brain  induced  by  excessive  heat, 
and  particularly  by  exposure  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun;  it  is  usually 
accompanied  by  more  or  less  complete  loss  of  consciousness. 

Etiology. — Overwork  in  hot  weather,  with  exposure  to  the  sun. 

Symptoms. — Slowing  up  in  his  work  with  a  staggering  gait.  The 
horse  spreads  his  legs,  hangs  his  head,  breathes  fast  and  loudly;  the  nos- 
trils are  dilated  and  in  rapid  motion.  If  the  attack  is  severe,  the  animal 
falls  and  dies  in  a  convulsion. 

Treatment. — Dash  cold  water,  the  colder  the  better,  upon  his  head 
and  all  parts  of  the  body  ;  blood-letting  will  do  injury  and  medicines  are 
of  no  use.  After  the  attack,  throw  the  horse  up  from  work  for  a  week 
or  two,  if  possible;  give  him  good  food  and  plenty  of  water  and  fresh  air. 


CHAPTEE  Y. 


JISEASES   OF   THE   EYE. 

The  Membrana  nictitans,  Simple  Ophthalmia,  Conjuntivitis,  Inflammation  of  the 
Conjunctiva,  Specific  Ophthalmia,  Periodic  Ophthalmia,  Moon  Blindness, 
Cataract,  Lenticular  Cataract,  Capsular  Cataract,  Interstitial  Cataract,  Spu- 
rious Cataract,  Amaurosis,  Glass  Eye,  Gutta  Serena,  Glaucoma,  Lacerations 
of  the  Eyelids,  Disease  of  the  Lachrymal  Passages,  Foreign  Bodies  in  the  Eye, 
Worms  in  the  Eye. 

A  very  marked  peculiarity  of  the  eye  in  the  horse  is  what  is  called 
the  Membrana  nictitans  or  Haw,  which  is  situated  in  the  inner  corner 
of  the  eye.  The  haw  has  two  principal  uses  :  first,  by  moving  backwards 
and  forwards  it  wipes  off  the  dust  or  other  extraneous  particles  which 
may  lodge  on  the  surface  of  the  eye;  and  secondly,  by  protruding  for- 
ward, when  the  eye  is  drawn  back  on  the  approach  of  danger,  it  guards 
the  cornea,  to  a  certain  degree,  from  any  accidental  blow.  Its  motion 
may  be  said  to  be  involuntary,  because  it  is  forced  over  the  eye  mainly  by 
the  withdrawal  of  that  organ  into  its  socket. 

This  peculiarity  of  structure  renders  it  very  difficult  to  perform  on 
the  eye  of  the  horse  many  of  those  delicate  operations  which  are  so  useful 
in  human  surgery  for  the  relief  of  various  ocular  diseases.  With  some 
trouble,  however,  the  eye  may  be  got  at.  It  is  necessary,  in  the  first 
'  instance,  to  catch  and  retain  the  haw  by  a  hook.  The  operator  must 
frequently  touch,  or  threaten  to  touch,  the  eye;  and  though  for.  some 
time  it  will  be  drawn  back  at  each  threat,  yet  at  last  the  retractor  muscle 
will  be  wearied  out,  and  certain  operations  may  then  be  performed.  This 
practice  is  adopted  with  success  in  India  in  cases  of  worm  in  the  eye.  Of 
late  years,  chloroform  has  been  used  in  operations  on  the  eye.     The 


124:  YETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGtKY. 

horse  has  also  a  peculiar  power  of  withdrawing  the  eye  into  its  orbit, 
which  adds  to  the  difficulty  of  performing  operations  upon  it. 


SIMPLE  OR  COMMON  OPHTHALMIA. 

Synonyms. — Conjunctivitis;  Inflammation  of  the  conjunctiva. 

Definition. — An  inflammation  of  the  membrane  which  covers  the 
surface  of  the  eye,  and  lines  the  eyelids. 

Etiology. — It  usually  has  its  origin  in  some  casual  injury,  as  a  blow 
of  some  sort,  or  some  foreign  substance  getting  into  the  eye.  It  may  also 
accompany  influenza. 

Atmospheric  causes  are  an  occasional,  but  not  very  common  source  of 
this  disease. 

Symptoms. — Closing  of  the  eye,  accompanied  by  a  profusion  of 
tears.  General  suffusion  and  redness  about  the  cornea.  Unless  the  seat 
of  injury  is  wholly  external  and  therefore  at  once  apparent,  the  eye 
should  be  examined.  Here,  however,  we  at  once  meet  with  some  dif- 
ficulty. The  animal  closes  his  eyelids  firmly.  He  is  impatient  to  light. 
As  soon  as  we  attempt  to  separate  the  lids,  he  withdraws  his  eye  into  the 
socket,  and  the  haw  is  thereby  pushed  forward,  and  the  tears  flow  pro- 
fusely. A  sharp  rap  of  the  hand  on  the  neck  will  sometimes  cause  the 
animal  to  open  his  eye,  and  an  opportunity  to  examine  it  will  then  be  af- 
forded. If  this  device  fails,  the  hand  should  be  laid  steadily  on  the  brow, 
with  the  thumb  resting  on  the  margin  of  the  upper  lid;  the  thumb  must 
be  kept  quietly  and  firmly  on  the  lid,  until  the  retractor  muscle  ceases 
to  act  violently,  and  then  the  lid  should  be  gently  pushed  upward,  and 
the  index  finger  of  the  other  hand  may  at  the  same  time  draw  down  the 
lower  lid. 

A  disturbed  state  of  the  blood-vessels  and  a  reddened  hue  of  the  con- 
junctival membrane  will  probably  be  noticed.  Possibly,  on  further  ex- 
amination, we  may  detect  a  wound  of  the  cornea,  such  as  that  inflicted 
by  a  whip  or  by  a  bite  from  another  horse.  If,  however,  there  is  no  sue! 
wound,  the  chances  are  that  some  foreign  body,  such  as  a  hayseed,  has 
lodged  on  the  eye.  The  seat  of  such  lodgment  is  genei'ally  under  tlie 
wpper  eyelid.  In  such  cases,  the  removal  of  the  foreign  body  is,  of  course, 
the  primary  requisite.  The  upper  eyelid  is  easily  everted,  with  a  little 
tact,  by  pressing  against  it  outer  surface  with  the  blunt  end  of  a  lead 


DISEASES    OF   THE   EYE.  125 

pencil  or  some  such  instrument,  and  turning  the  margin  of  the  eyelid 
upward  and  inward  at  the  same  time.     Foreign   bodies  seldom  lodge  on 
the  cornea,  because  the  action  of  the  haw,  aided  by  the  flow  of  tears  which 
i  are  at  once  effused,  speedily  carries  them  away. 

Although  blows  over  the  eye,  or  upon  it,  are  not  usually  productive  of 
dangerous  symptoms,  yet  we  occasionally  find  disastrous  results.  Concus- 
sion of  the  retina  may  take  place  from  the  effect  of  a  violent  blow  on  the 
eye,  and  may  be  followed  by  temporary  or  permanent  blindness.  Again,  the 
humors  of  the  eye  may  be  lost;  or  the  rupture  may  be  internal,  and 
we  may  then  have  an  escape  of  blood  into  the  anterior  chamber  of  the  eye; 
or  the  ciliary  margin  of  the  iris  may  lose  its  connection,  and  may  after- 
ward, by  process  of  adhesive  inflammation,  become  attached  to  some  ad- 
jacent structure;  or  there  may  be  displacement  of  the  crystalline  lens, 
which  may  be  driven  into  the  vitreous  humor;  or  it  may  fall  forward  into 
the  anterior  chamber.  When  the  blow  is  so  violent  that  the  cornea  is 
lacerated  and  penetrated,  there  is  no  chance  of  a  cure,  because  the  re- 
tractor-oculi  muscle  acts  so  strongly  that  the  lens  is  usually  forced  out. 

Simple  ophthalmia  often  accompanies  catarrh  and  influenza  and  also 
dentition.  In  these  cases,  however,  the  affection  is  only  sympathetic, 
and  subsides  with  the  cause.  The  inflammation  of  the  membrane  is  only 
an  extension  of  the  inflammation  previously  existing  in  the  neighboring 
mucous  membrane  of  the  nose  or  gums. 

Inflammation  of  the  conjunctiva  seldom  appears  as  a  separate  disease. 
When  it  cannot  be  traced  either  to  some  external  injury  or  to  sympathy 
with  a  previously  existing  affection,  such  as  catarrh  or  influenza,  it  should 
be  looked  upon  with  great  suspicion,  lest  it  should  be  the  prelude  of 
specific  ophthalmia 

In  simple  ophthalmia,  the  cornea,  from  the  effect  of  the  inflammation, 
often  has  a  bluish  tint  which  is  peculiar  to  this  form  of  ophthalmia,  and 
which  distinguishes  it  from  periodic  ophthalmia;  but  in  other  cases  it 
remains  clear  and  bright.  The  size  of  the  pupil,  it  is  to  be  particularly 
remarked,  is  seldom  diminished,  whilst  in  the  specific  disease  this  symp- 
tom is  always  present.  Again,  in  simple  ophthalmia  there  is  a  state  of 
general  suffusion  and  redness  about  the  cornea,  whilst  in  the  specific  disease 
the  vessels  which  traverse  the  palpebral  portion  of  the  conjunctival  mem- 
brane investing  the  cornea  take  a  circular  direction  round  it,  with  rami- 
fications proceeding  toward  its  centre. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  simple  ophthalmia,  when  it  arises 


126  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

from  slight  external  injuries,  is  simple.  First  ascertain  that  there  is  no 
foreign  body  causing  the  irritation.  In  making  this  examination,  pro- 
ceed as  just  directed;  do  not  expect  to  find  some  large  substance;  look 
for  a  minute  speck  which  will  be  much  more  likely  to  reward  the  ex- 
amination. If  seen  and  quite  small,  touch  it  with  a  fold  of  dry  cloth,  and 
it  will  probably  adhere  and  come  off  on  it.  If  larger,  it  may  be  removed 
by  brushing  with  a  feather,  or  picked  off  with  a  pair  of  forceps.  If  no 
offending  body  can  be  discovered,  the  inflammation  must  be  treated  dif- 
ferently. The  patient  should  be  placed  in  a  diminished  light,  and  his 
head  should  be  tied  up  to  the  rack.  In  the  early  stage,  fomentations  of 
warm  water  are  desirable;  but  as  soon  as  the  active  inflammation  has 
subsided,  cold-water  dressings  should  be  substituted,  because  the  parts 
need  bracing  up,  in  order  to  restore  their  healthy  tone.  If  the  eye  re- 
mains weak,  it  may  be  bathed  with:  " 

Sulphate  of  zinc gr.  iij, 

Water §  i. 

or, 

Powdered  alum gr.  vi. 

Water §1. 

For  more  severe  injuries,  little  more  can  oe  done  than  to  place  nature 
in  the  most  favorable  condition  to  exert  her  restorative  powers.  Ad- 
vantage may  be  derived  from  smearing  the  skin  of  the  eyebrows  and 
lids  with: 

Extract  of  belladonna ...    5  i. 

Simple  syrup §  ss. 

Salts  of  lead  should  never  be  used,  as  they  are  liable  to  cause  opacity  of 
the  cornea. 

The  treatment  of  the  external  laceration  or  injury,  as  distinct  from 
its  effect  on  the  eye,  is  the  same  as  that  of  any  other  laceration  or  injury. 

Any  very  severe  injury  of  the  cornea  or  parts  in  its  neighborhood, 
whether  arising  from  a  blow  or  from  irritation  produced  by  a  foreign 
body,  occasionally  results  m  partial  or  even  in  complete,  though  generally 
only  temporary,  opacity  of  that  structure.     The  deposit  is  indicated  by 


DISEASES    OF   THE    EYE  127 

a  white  fleecy  appearance,  and  is  usually  situated  between  the  conjuncti- 
val membrane  and  the  cornea,  or  in  severe  cases  between  the  layers  of 
the  cornea. 

Under  favorable  circumstances,  the  deposit  will  be  removed  in  time 
by  the  ordinary  operations  of  nature,  but  in  aggravated  cases  it  will 
probably  be  in  some  degree  permanent. 

For  simple  ophthalmia  connected  with  catarrh  and  influenza,  no 
treatment  is  necessary  beyond  cooling  lotions,  as 

Chloride  of  ammonium, 

Nitrate  of  potash aa  §  iiss. 

Water 1  pint. 

Wet  a  rag  in  this  and  hang  it  over  the  affecteu  eye,  and  darken  the 
stable.  The  disease  is  only  sympathetic  and  usually  subsides  with  the 
primary  affection. 


SPECIFIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

Synonyms. — Periodic  opthalmia;  Moon  blindness. 

Specific  ophthalmia  is  a  rare  disease,  and  is  considered  a  constitutional 
affection.     It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  internal  structure  of  the  eye. 

Etiology. — Usually  supposed  to  be  malarial.  Stables  in  which  the 
horse  is  habitually  in  almost  total  darkness  and  which  are  almost  of  ne- 
cessity foul  stables.  It  is  considered  by  some,  including  Percival,  to  be 
caused  sometimes  by  hereditary  predisposition. 

In  the  very  early  stage,  many  of  the  symptoms  are  the  same  as  those 
of  common  ophthalmia.  If,  however,  on  examination  we  can  discover  no 
sufficient  cause  for  the  closing  of  the  eye,  such  as  an  external  wound  or  a 
catarrhal  affection,  there  is  always  some  reason  to  fear  that  the  attack 
may  be  the  specific  disease.  As  the  treatment  in  the  early  stage  is  the 
same  in  either  case,  we  may  wait  patiently  for  the  development  of  fur- 
ther symptoms. 

Symptoms. — Sometimes  the  disease  comes  on  slowly,  but  more  com- 
monly appears  suddenly  and  gains  ground  rapidly.  There  is  turgescence 
of  the  lids,  a  flow  of  tears,  intolerance  of  light,  a  slightly  inflamed  state 
of  the  conjunctiva  at  the  outer  margin  of  the  cornea.     As  these  symp- 


128  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

toms  increase,  the  eye  sinks  somewliat  in  its  socket,  and  at  the  same  time 
the  haw  is  brought  partly  forward  over  the  eye.  Then,  there  is  a  great 
redness  of  the  conjunctival  membrane,  and  blood-vessels  appear  in  it, 
some  of  them  running  in  a  circular  direction  and  others  radiating  to  a 
central  j)oint;  there  is  also  general  dimness  of  the  surface,  and  a  copi- 
ous flow  of  hot  tears.  These  symptoms  will  soon  be  followed  by  the 
aqueous  humor  aiDpearing  thick  and  muddy,  and  the  iris  losing  its  brilli- 
ancy. In  very  acute  cases,  there  soon  occurs  a  deposit  of  lymph,  often 
tinged  Avith  blood,  which  fills  up  the  anterior  chamber  of  the  eye,  so 
that  the  state  of  the  interior  can  no  longer  be  seen. 

When  improvement  is  about  to  take  place,  the  curtain  of  lymph 
gradually  falls  down  from  the  superior  border  of  the  anterior  chamber, 
if  it  has  been  attached  there,  and  we  are  then  enabled  to  see  what  mis- 
chief has  been  going  on  within  the  eye.  These  changes,  both  for  better 
and  for  Avorse,  take  place  in  a  remarkably  short  space  of  time. 

"We  may  find  even  after  the  first  attack  that  the  iris  is  adherent  to  the 
capsule  of  the  lens,  or  that  cataract  has  commenced  to  form  in  the  lens 
or  in  its  capsule.  But  these  marked  eifects  do  not  usually  appear  until 
after  several  attacks.  More  generally  we  find  no  other  trace  of  the  attack 
than  that  the  iris  has  lost  in  a  very  slight  degree  the  brilliancy  of  its  color, 
the  lens  a  little  of  its  clearness,  and  that  the  pupil  of  the  eye  attacked  is 
somewhat  smaller  than  that  of  the  other.  A  little  opacity,  varying  more 
or  less  according  to  the  virulence  of  the  attack,  is  also  left  in  the  cornea, 
l^articularly  round  its  margins.  The  iris  also  does  not  act  quite  so  freely  in 
the  diseased  as  in  the  other  eye,  and  hence  the  pupil  is  not  kept  quite  so 
dilated  as  it  ought  to  be.  All  these  effects  are  due  to  the  fact  the  pro- 
ducts of  inflammation  have  not  been  completely  absorbed  and  carried  away. 
In  a  first  attack,  the  animal  usually  recovers  quickly,  after  the  disease 
begins  to  abate. 

The  iieriod  of  intermission  between  the  first  and  second  attacks  varies 
from  three  Aveeks  to  three  months  or  longer;  but  succeeding  attacks 
often  follow  more  rapidly,  until  the  sight  is  destroyed  by  the  formation 
of  a  cataract. 

Treatment. — No  reliable  means  of  preventing  a  recurrence  of  the  at- 
tack is  known,  but  still  nothing  which  can  give  relief  should  be  neglected. 
The  patient  should  be  placed  in  a  cool,  Avell  ventilated  loose  box,  and  a 
diminished  light  only  should  be  admitted;  the  body  should  be  kept  warm 
by  clothing,  a  linen  shade  kept  constantly  Avet  should  be  applied  over  the 


DISEASES    OF   THE    EYE.  129 

eyes,  as  the  organ  is  extremely  intolerant  of  light;  and  the  head  should 
be  maintained  in  a  somewhat  elevated  position,  in  order  to  facilitate  the 
return  of  blood  from  the  inflamed  vessels. 

When  the  attack  is  an  isolated  one,  a  diligent  search  should  be  made 
for  the  causes  which  may  have  induced  it;  and  any  such  causes,  if  dis- 
covered, should,  if  possible,  be  removed  or  reversed.  Thus,  if  the  horse 
is  fat  and  in  high  condition,  depletives  may  be  beneficial;  whilst,  on  the 
other  hand,  if  the  animal  is  low,  good  feeding  and  tonics  will  be  appro- 
priate.    As  a  tonic  the  following  is  recommended  by  some: 

Powdered  Peruvian  bark §  ss. 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  i. 

to  be  given  twice  or  three  times  a  day.  In  most  cases,  however,  specific 
ophthalmia,  in  spite  of  all  treatment,  runs  its  course,  sometimes  unobtru- 
sively and  with  scarcely  noticeable  force,  and  at  other  times  with  acute 
symptoms. 

CATARACT. 

Cataracts  are  divided  into  true  and  spurious.  The  seat  of  true  cata- 
ract is  in  the  crystalline  lens,  in  its  capsule,  or  in  both,  or  even  between 
the  lens  and  its  capsule.  Any  opacity  in  the  lens  must  seriously  inter- 
fere with  the  vision.  So  likewise,  though  in  a  lesser  degree,  any  opacity 
in  the  capsule  or  between  the  capsule  and  the  lens  will  affect  the  power 
of  sight.  There  are  three  classes  of  true  cataract  distinguished  as  to 
name  by  the  position  they  occupy,  namely,  Lenticular,  Capsular,  and 
Capsulo-lenticular  or  interstitial. 

The  color  of  a  cataract  depends  on  various  circumstances  and  esjoc- 
cially  on  the  length  of  time  that  has  elapsed  since  its  formation.  In  the 
very  early  stage  the  lens  may  show  only  a  slight  nebulosity;  later  there 
may  be  seen  in  it  streaky  lines  radiating  to  a  centre,  and  at  last  cataract 
may  be  fully  developed  as  a  circumscribed  white  spot  gradually  increasing 
in  size. 

In  rare  cases  a  portion  of  the  capsule  of  the  lens  may  be  partially 
clouded,  as  a  result  of  any  injury  or  blow  on  the  eye.  Such  cloudiness 
is  usually  only  temporary,  though  sometimes  it  may  be  persistent. 

Etiology. — As  a  general  rule,  after  several  attacks  of  ophthalmia  the 
9 


130  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 

pupil  dilates  and  clears,  and  cataract  forms.  But  in  special  cases  the 
pupil  may  remain  constantly  contracted,  because  adhesion  has  taken 
place  between  the  capsule  of  the  lens  and  the  iris;  or,  on  the  other  hand, 
the  pupil  may  remain  abnormally  open,  if  there  is  paralysis  of  the  optic 
nerve  or  a  tendency  to  amaurosis.  In  such  a  case  the  eye  is  more  toler- 
ant of  light,  because  less  susceptible  of  its  effect. 

Lenticular  cataract,  or  in  other  words  partial  or  complete  opacity  of 
the  lens,  is  the  result  of  the  deposits  left  by  the  repeated  attacks  of  in- 
flammation. The  effusion  is  at  first  interspersed  through  the  substance 
of  the  lens,  but  gradually,  as  the  more  watery  parts  of  the  effusion  are 
taken  up,  the  deposit  concentrates  to  one  spot  and  forms  the  opaque 
speck  known  as  cataract.  Cataracts  are  generally  of  very  gradual  forma- 
tion. The  first  attack  of  inflammation,  though  it  probably  leaves  some, 
yet  generally  gives  rise  to  no  perceptible  deposit  or  opacity;  but  after 
several  attacks  the  deposit  or  speck  becomes  apparent. 

In  old  horses  similar  changes  sometimes  go  on  insensibly,  ending  in 
cataract  without  any  perceptible  periodical  attacks  of  inflammation. 

Capsular  cataract  proceeds  from  the  same  causes  and  is  formed  in 
much  the  same  way  as  lenticular;  but  for  some  reason  not  very  easy  to 
explain,  the  deposit  fixes  itself  on  the  inner  surface  of  the  capsule  in- 
stead of  in  the  lens.  If  the  lens  be  examined  by  a  good  reflected  light, 
it  will  be  found  to  be  clear  behind  its  capsule. 

In  some  cases  capsular  cataracts  form  from  other  causes  than  at- 
tacks of  specific  opthalmia.  In  such,  it  is  probable  that  the  deposit  on 
the  capsule  may  be  absorbed,  and  the  eye  restored  to  its  pristine  state. 

The  third  variety  of  true  cataract,  known  as  Capsulo-lenticular  or  In- 
terstitial cataract,  is  found  in  the  form  of  an  opaque  fluid  between  the 
lens  and  its  capsule. 

By  taking  a  side  view  of  the  eye,  these  cataracts  are  easily  distin- 
guished from  lenticular,  because  the  transparency  of  the  lens  can  then 
be  seen  behind  the  opaque  deposit. 

Symptoms. — The  state  of  the  pupil  is  best  seen  in  a  diminished  light. 
The  existence  or  otherwise  of  cataract,  the  proper  motion  of  the  iris  , 
and  the  state  of  the  structures  of  the  eye  generally  are  then,  as  a  rule, 
very  easily  observed.  But  in  some  cases  it  is  advisable  to  take  the  horse 
into  a  darkened  stable  and  to  examine  his  eye  by  the  light  of  a  candle, 
when  the  pupil  will  be  found  to  be  fully  expanded. 

In  health,  when  a  candle  is  moved  before  the  fully  expanded  pupil. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    EYE.  131 

three  images  of  it  will  be  seen.  First  an  erect  image  moving  upwards 
and  downwards,  according  as  the  candle  is  moved.  This  image  is  pro- 
duced by  reflection  of  the  surface  of  the  cornea.  Secondly,  another  erect 
image  produced  from  the  anterior  surface  of  the  lens;  this  also  moves 
upwards  and  downwards,  according  as  the  candle  is  moved  upwards  and 
downwards.  Thirdly,  a  small  inverted  image  reflected  from  the  posterior 
surface  of  the  lens;  this  moves  downwards  when  the  candle  is  moved 
upwards. 

In  lenticular  cataract,  in  the  early  stage,  the  inverted  image  is  indis- 
tinct. In  its  later  stage  it  cannot  be  seen  at  all.  When  the  cataract  has 
fully  formed,  the  deep  erect  image  is  invisible.  In  capsular  cataract  only 
the  front  image  is  visible. 

Treatment. — Veterinary  science  knows  no  cure  for  true  cataract. 
We  cannot  avail  ourselves  of  those  operations  which  in  the  human  sub- 
ject are  so  valuable,  not  indeed  for  the  cure,  but  for  the  relief  of  this 
disease.  The  horse  possesses  a  very  jieculiar  power  of  withdrawing  at 
will  his  eye  into  its  socket,  which  would  much  increase  the  difficulty  of 
performing  any  operation;  but  even  if  this  diflBculty  be  got  over,  the  oper- 
ations common  in  human  surgery  would  not  be  of  any  use,  as  it  is  obvi- 
ously impossible  to  supply  the  horse  with  glasses. 


SPURIOUS  CATARACTS. 

Spurious  cataracts  are  opaque  specks  on  the  cornea,  or  flocculi  of 
lymph  in  the  anterior  chamber  of  the  aqueous  humor,  generally  adherent 
to  the  anterior  surface  of  the  capsule  of  the  lens  or  to  the  posterior  sur- 
face of  the  cornea.  They  are  generally  the  result  of  common  ophthalmia 
and  consist  of  an  effusion  of  lymph  into  the  aqueous  humor.  They  oc- 
casionally occur  as  a  result  of  the  specific  disease. 

Spurious  cataracts  are  frequently  absorbed  after  a  time.  Sometimes 
they  appear  quite  suddenly  and  without  any  apparent  cause,  and  disap- 
pear as  suddenly. 

AMAUROSIS. 

Synonyms. — Glass  eye;  Gutta  serena. 

Amaurosis,  partial  or  complete,  results  from  paralysis  of  a  part  or  of 


132  VETEEINABY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

the  whole  of  the  optic  nerve.  According  to  the  degree  of  the  affection, 
the  blindness  may  be  total  or  partial.  The  eye  is  generally  in  all  other 
respects  perfect. 

Etiology. — Disease  of  the  optic  nerve  may  proceed  from  various  cau- 
ses— either  peculiar  to  that  one  nerve,  such  as  excess  of  glare  or  heat,  or 
from  pressure  on  it,  such  as  that  induced  by  the  formation  of  a  tumor 
by  extravasation  of  blood,  or  any  morbid  effusion,  or  it  may  proceed  from 
some  abnormal  condition  of  the  brain  generally.  It  may  also  proceed 
from  some  abnormal  condition  of  the  body,  such  as  an  overloaded 
stomach,  which  affects  the  nervous  system  generally,  and  with  it  the 
nerve  of  the  eye. 

Amaurosis  is  also  occasionally,  though  but  rarely,  the  result  of  the  vio- 
lent inflammatory  action  of  specific  ophthalmia;  and  it  occasionally  arises 
from  extreme  debility  of  the  whole  system  from  any  cause,  as  from  ex- 
cessive loss  of  blood.  Pressure  from  a  fall  backward  or  a  blow  on  the 
head  may  also  bring  on  the  disease. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  amaurosis  must  depend  on  the  cause 
from  which  it  is  supposed  to  arise.  When  originating  in  atrophy  or 
shrinking  of  the  optic  nerve  it  is  incurable. 

Tumors  and  morbid  effusions  on  the  brain  are  sometimes  removed  by 
nature,  and  with  their  removal  the  optic  nerve  may  recover  its  tone.  Art 
can  do  but  little  to  assist  in  promoting  this  change. 

In  oppression  of  the  brain  induced  by  an  overloaded  or  disordered 
condition  of  the  stomach,  a  dose  of  laxative  medicine  will  be  useful: 


Linseed  oil §  x.  to  xij. 

To  be  given  in  a  mash ; 

Or, 

Powdered  aloes 3  ij.  to  vi. 

Linseed  meal sufficient 

To  make  one  ball  with  molasses. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  the  disease  is  connected  with  general  debility,  gen- 
erous diet  and  tonics  will  be  of  service. 

In  all  cases,  as  topical  remedies,  cold  applications  to  the  head  and 
diminished  light  are  to  be  recommended. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   EYE.  133 


GLAUCOMA. 

Glaucoma  is  an  opacity  of  the  vitreous  humor,  or  of  the  tunica  hya- 
loidea,  characterized  by  a  grayish  or  sea-green  appearance  of  the  eyes 
which  comes  on  gradually  in  old  age.  It  terminates  in  total  blindness, 
and  is  quite  incurable. 


LACERATION  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

Laceration  of  the  eyelid  arises  from  striking  against  a  rail  or  other 
sharp  point,  a  bite  from  another  horse,  or  other  accidental  injury. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  usually  consists  in  bringing  together 
the  lacerated  parts  with  two  or  three  separate  interrupted  stitches  (see 
page  31).  Great  care  is  needed  to  prevent  the  patient  from  rubbing  his 
eye  against  the  manger.  A  linen  rag  wet  with  water  should  be  hung 
loosely  from  above  over  the  eye;  or,  if  there  is  some  inflammation  with: 

Chloride  of  ammonium, 

Nitrate  of  potassium aa  §  iiss. 

Water 1  pint. 

Dissolve  the  chloride  of  ammonium  and  the  nitrate  of  potassium  in  the  water, 
and  as  soon  as  they  are  absorbed,  dip  the  cloths  in  the  solution  and  hang  them 
over  the  inflamed  part. 

No  part  of  the  injured  structure  should  be  cut  away,  unless  it  is  so  hope- 
lessly lacerated  as  to  make  re-union  very  improbable.  There  is  always  a 
strong  natural  tendency  to  re-union  of  these  parts,  and  therefore,  with 
judicious  management,  a  successful  result  need  not  be  despaired  of,  even 
in  very  severe  injuries. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LACHRYMAL  PASSAGES 

Etiology. — When  a  weeping  or  flow  of  tears  over  the  check  is  perma- 
nent, the  cause  will  usually  be  found  in  some  obstruction  of  the  lachry- 
mal ducts  or  canals,  which  lead  from  the   eyes  to  the  nose,  and  by 


134  VETEKLNARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

which,  in  a  healthy  state,  the  tears  are  discharged.  The  obstruction  is 
generally  due  to  a  thickening  of  the  raucous  membrane  of  the  duct, 
arising  from  inflammation.  No  remedy  is  known  for  this  affection.  It 
is  unsightly,  but  not  serious.  A  similar  effect  may  be  produced  by  loss 
of  the  lower  eyelid. 

A  trickling  unconnected  with  disease  may  arise  from  an  excessive  se- 
cretion of  tears  caused  by  some  external  irritation,  by  inflammation  of 
the  conjunctival  membrane,  or  from  swelling  of  the  eyelids,  which  then 
obstruct  the  entrance  of  the  tears  into  the  lachrymal  duct.  In  these 
cases,  the  effect  will  cease  with  the  removal  or  cessation  of  the  cause. 


FOREIGN  BODIES  IN  THE  EYE. 

Are  mostly  confined  to  seeds  and  particles  of  hay  and  straw  or  small 
grains  of  dirt  getting  within  the  eyelids. 

Symptoms. — The  trouble  commonly  occurs  at  night.  The  horse 
will  be  found  in  the  morning  with  the  affected  eye  closed  and  tears  more 
or  less  profusely  running  from  it. 

Treatment. — The  trouble  will  generally  be  found  under  the  upper 
eyelid,  which  may  be  gently  turned  back  over  a  pencil  or  other  small 
smooth  stick;  if  seen,  extract  as  recommended  in  simple  ophthalmia, 
page  124.  Afterward  bathe  the  eye  with  lukewarm  water  and  cover  it 
with  a  wet  cloth. 

WORM  IN  THE  EYE. 

In  India  a  worm  is  occasionally  found  floating  in  the  aqueous  humor. 
The  treatment  consists  in  puncturring  the  cornea  at  its  upper  inner  mar- 
gin. The  humor  will  then  escape,  and  will  carry  with  it  the  worm.  The 
humor  soon  re-forms,  and  the  wound  readily  heels,  and  in  general  no 
injurious  after-result  ensues.  The  inner  margin  is  selected  for  the  ope- 
ration because  the  cornea  at  that  part  is  least  dense;  and  the  upper  in- 
stead of  the  lower  margin,  because  the  aqueous  humor,  which  gradually 
re-forms,  will  be  less  likely  to  again  escape  (whilst  the  wound  is  healing) 
than  if  the  incision  had  been  made  at  the  lower  part.  This  parasite  very 
rarely  troubles  horses  in  this  country. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

DISEASES   OF   THE   LIVER. 

Congestion  of  the  liver,  Hepatitis,  Cirrhosis,  Atrophy,  Hypertrophy,  Jaundice, 
The  Yellows,  Icterus. 


CONGESTION    OF  THE  LIVER. 

Is  a  very  rare  disease  and  is  difficult  of  diagnosis. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  dull  and  indisposed  to  move;  the  appetite 
fails  and  the  bowels  become  disordered;  the  observable  mucous  membranes 
assume  a  decidedly  yellowish  tint;  the  bowels  are  constipated,  and  the 
fa3ces  are  hard,  scanty,  sometimes  clay-colored  and  foetid.  Uneasiness  is 
evinced  on  the  application  of  pressure  to  the  right  foreshoulder.  The 
breathing  in  general  is  not  much  affected,  but  there  are  frequent  fits  of 
blowing,  and  there  is  also  a  hollow  cough.  The  pulse  is  full,  soft,  and 
compressible.  An  abnormal  appetite  is  a  common  symptom,  shown  by  a 
desire  to  eat  earthy  substances  and  to  lick  the  walls.  In  rare  instances 
pain  is  manifested  by  lameness  in  the  right  shoulder. 

Treatment. — Bleeding  is  recommended,  no  matter  how  great  the  ap- 
parent debility,  provided  the  artery  is  full,  round,  and  distinct.  Usually 
the  disease  yields  to  less  severe  methods.  The  bowels  should  be  opened 
by  some  simple  laxative,  as: 

Epsom  salts ^  iv. 

Warm  water 1  quart 

or,  if  preferred  : 


133  VETERLNABY   MEDICINE   AND   SUKGERY. 

Aloes 3  iv. 

Calomel 3  ss. 

Mix  with  Indian  meal  and  molasses  into  a  ball. 

This  dose  may  be  doubled  in  severe  cases,  but  care  must  be  taken 
not  to  continue  long  enough  to  salivate.  This  may  be  administered  once 
or  twice  a  day.  Mustard  rubbed  occasionally  over  the  region  of  the 
liver  has  often  a  marked  effect  in  relieving  the  congestion.  The  diet 
should  be  sparing  in  quantity,  easy  of  digestion,  and  somewhat  laxative. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

Synonym. — Hepatitis. 

This  is  also  one  of  the  most  rare  diseases  in  the  horse,  and  almost  im- 
possible of  diagnosis. 

Etiology. — Similar  to  those  of  congestion.  It  is  usually  connected 
with  inflammation  of  some  other  abdominal  organ. 

Ascites,  or  dropsy  of  the  belly,  is  said  to  be  a  common  sequel  of  the 
attack. 

ORGANIC  DISEASE  OF  THE  LIVER. 

Synonyms.— Cirrhosis;  Atrophy;  Hypertrophy. 

Definition. — Organic  disease  of  the  liver  seldom  occurs  as  a  primary 
affection.  It  is  usually  a  sequel  of  other  diseases,  especially  of  any  dis- 
eases Avhich  prevent  the  free  circulation  of  the  blood  through  it. 

Etiology. — A  state  of  undue  accumulation  of  blood  in  the  capillary 
vessels  is  the  usual  commencement  of  almost  all  structural  disease.  This 
congestion  may  arise  from  any  affection  which  interferes  with  the  passage 
of  the  blood  into  the  pulmonary  artery,  for  instance,  inflammation  of 
the  lungs  and  pleura,  influenza,  peritonitis,  any  violent  visceral  inflam- 
mation, valvular  disease  of  the  heart,  or  disease  of  the  pericardium.  En- 
largement of  the  liver  to  a  great  size  and  softening  of  its  structures  often 
follows  low  typhoid  affections.     It  is  also  common  in  old  cart  horses. 

On  the  other  hand,  atrophy  sometimes  occurs,  and  the  organ  dwindles 
to  half  its  proper  size. 

In  some  cases,  the  liver  takes  on  a  scirrhous  or  indurated  state,  and 
ceases  in  a  great  measure  to  perform  its  functions. 


DISEASES    OT    THE    LIVEB.  137 

Ordinary  congestion  of  the  liver,  especially  wlien  it  has  become 
chronic,  leads  to  enlargement  and  softening  of  the  organ,  known  as 
hypertrophy  of  the  liver.  It  is  most  often  seen  in  very  fat  horses,  such, 
for  instance,  as  brewers',  or  gentlemen's  carriage  horses  which  have  not 
sufficient  exercise.  The  liver  slowly  and  gradually  augments  in  size,  some- 
times with  no  sign  of  ill  health  about  the  animal,  until  it  suddenly  bursts 
its  capsule,  and  death  soon  follows. 

Softening  of  the  liver  is  probably  due  to  repeated  attacks  of  conges- 
tion, and  is  very  difficult  of  diagnosis.  It  is  said  to  result  in  rupture  of 
the  liver  and  death. 

Treatment  in  such  supposed  cases  can  only  be  prophylactic.  Not  too 
high  feeding  and  a  proportionate  amount  of  exercise.  High  and  overfed 
horses  with  plenty  of  flesh  and  sleek  coats  are  those  most  predisposed  to 
all  liver  troubles. 

The  liver  may  also  become  the  seat  of  tubercular  and  cancerous 
deposits.  The  bile  ducts  may  likewise  be  obstructed  by  calculi,  when  the 
same  symptoms  are  evinced  as  in  congestion  and  inflammation. 

The  existence  of  any  such  organic  change,  though  its  exact  nature 
may  not  be  discovered  during  life,  is  indicated — but  often  very  obscurely 
— by  the  same  symptoms  as  those  previously  described  under  the  head  of 
temporary  functional  derangements. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stage  o_  organic  diseases  of  the  liver,  there 
is  often  great  difficulty  in  diagnosing  it.  There  is  frequently  only  a 
passive  state  of  congestion.  If  detected,  the  treatment  will  be  the  same 
as  that  recommended  for  congestion.  In  extreme  cases  of  hypertrophy, 
an  external  enlargement  may  possibly  be  observed.  Percussion  may  aid 
in  forming  a  correct  opinion.  In  many  cases,  however,  the  disease 
creeps  on  insensibly  and  without  any  well-marked  symptoms  to  a  very 
serious  extent. 

When  any  change  of  structure  has  taken  place,  complete  restoration 
is  not  to  be  expected;  but  the  further  progress  of  the  disease  may  often 
be  checked  for  a  length  of  time  by  keeping  the  bowels  moderately  open 
by  means  of  saline  laxatives,  careful  feeding,  and  exercise.  The  iodide 
of  potassium  and  carbonate  of  sodium  are  useful  in  reducing  the  excessive 
action  of  the  organ.  Tonics  are  also  beneficial  iu  assisting  it  to  regain 
its  tone. 


138  VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


JAUNDICE. 

Synonyms. — The  yellows;  Icterus. 

Definition. — A  disease  characterized  in  horses  by  yellowness  of  the 
eyes,  white  faeces,  and  dark  urine. 

Etiology. — Jaundice  is  caused  by  suppression,  or  by  reabsorption  of 
bile,  and  is  a  symptom  rather  than  a  disease  itself.  Any  causes  which 
lead  to  sluggishness  of  the  hepatic  functions,  or  obstructions  of  the  bile- 
ducts  produce  it.     Over-feeding  and  too  little  work  is  a  common  cause. 

Symptoms. — Are  much  the  same  as  in  congestion  and  inflammation 
of  the  liver. 

Treatment. — If  the  cause  is  non-elimination  of  the  bile,  the  treatment 
will  be  the  same  as  recommended  for  congestion  and  inflammation.  If 
due  to  obstruction,  the  cause  of  the  difficulty  should  be  sought.  If  the 
bowels  are  constipated,  avoid  purgatives,  and  give: 

Epsom  salts §  iv. 

Bran  water 1  quart 

or, 

Linseed  oil 1  pint 

daily  until  the  faeces  become  soft. 

If  there  are  indications  that  the  stomach  is  acid,  shown  by  the  animal 
licking  the  walls  or  eating  dirt,  give: 

Lime  water ^  iv. 

Water |  pint 

or. 

Carbonate  of  soda 3  iv. 

Water ^  pint 

or,  if  preferred,  the  soda  may  be  mixed  up  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses 
and  form  a  ball.  It  is  not  uncommon  for  the  liver  to  perform  its  functions 
irregularly  after  an  acute  attack.  An  excessivfe  secretion  is  indicated  by 
purging,  the  dung  being  coffee-colored;  a  deficient  secretion,  by  clay-col- 


DISEASES   OF    THE   LIVER.  139 

ored  passages  smelling  offensively.    When  such  conditions  exist,  tonics 
should  be  administered: 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  i. 

Powdered  gentian 3  iv. 

in  the  drinking  water  or  sprinkled  on  the  food. 

Cinchona  bark,  chamomile  flowers,  and  quassia  may  be  used  if  pre- 
ferred. 


CHAPTER  Til. 

DISEASES   OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

Nephritis,  Inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  Cystitis,  Inflammation  of  the  bladder, 
Diabetes,  Profuse  staleing,  Strangury,  Retention  of  urine.  Balanitis,  Inflam- 
mation of  the  Penis  and  Sheath,  Azoturia,  Black  water.  Nymphomania, 
Bloody  urine,  Phimosis,  Paraphimosis. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Synonym. — Nejohritis. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  or  nephritis,  is  fortunately  a  rare  disease 
in  horses. 

Etiology. — Its  causes  are  not  well  established,  but  the  disease  is  gen- 
erally attributed  to  derangement  from  too  great  or  frequent  doses  of 
diuretic  medicines,  as  turpentine,  the  resins,  or  cantharides;  or,  more 
rarely,  from  the  long  continued  effect  of  coltl,  particularly  cold  water, 
upon  the  loins.  Sometimes  it  is  induced  by  the  absorption  of  the  active 
princijile  of  cantharides  from  large  blisters. 

Symptoms. — There  is  fever  and  colicky  pains.  The  horse  is  restless 
and  uneasy,  breathes  short  and  rapidly,  and  perspires  more  or  less  freely. 
He  lies  down  cautiously  and  rises  up  again,  as  if  suffering  from  colic; 
but  the  abdomen,  instead  of  being  hard  and  distended  as  in  that  disease, 
is  tucked  up.  He  sometimes  stands  with  his  legs  wide  apart,  arches  his 
back,  and  straddles  in  his  gait,  though  these  are  not  to  be  considered  as 
peculiar  symptoms  of  nephritis.  Tendernes  and  wincing  are  evinced  on 
the  application  of  pressure  to  the  loins.  The  most  sure  evidence  is  total 
suppression  or  but  a  scanty  secretion  of  urine,  a  desire  to   micturate 


142 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


frequently,  but  passing  no  urine,  or  only  a  small  quantity,  highly  colored 
and  often  tinged  with  blood.  In  very  acute  attacks,  the  horse  will  sit  on 
his  haunches,  groan,  and  look  round  and  try  to  bite  at  his  flanks.  The 
bowels  are  usually  constipated,  and  the  pulse  is  accelerated  and  soon  be- 
comes very  quick  and  weak. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys  is  distinguished  from  a  similar  affection 
of  the  bladder  by  the  secretion  being  very  small  and  emitted  with  much 
groaning  and  effort,  whilst  in  the  latter  disease  the  urine  is  secreted  freely 
and  ejected  almost  as  soon  as  secreted.  In  both  diseases  the  bladder  is 
empty. 

When  the  inflammation  is  caused  by  the  presence  of  calcareous  sub- 


FiG.  71. 
The  Straddling  Gait  of  Nephritis. 


stances  in  the  kidneys,  a  very  marked  symptom  is  afforded  by  the  penis 
hanging  pendulous  and  a  constant  dripping  of  urine  often  tinged  with 
blood.  If  the  patient  be  a  stallion,  the  testicles  are  retracted.  The 
thigh  on  the  side  of  the  inflamed  kidney,  if  only  one  be  affected,  is  gen- 
erally benumbed.  If  the  disease  is  not  relieved,  the  strength  fails  rapidly, 
and  from  retention  of  the  constituents  of  urine  in  the  system  the  skin 
often  acquires  a  urinous  smell. 

Treatment. — The  depressing  and  destructive  influence  of  the  ar- 
rested urinary  secretions  must  be  diminished,  as  much  as  possible,  by 
exciting  the  activity  of  the  skin  and  bowels.  Flannel  cloths  steeped  in 
very  warm  water  should  be  at  once  applied  to  the  loins,  and  covered  with 
a  rubber  blanket,  to  keep  up  the  heat.     Give  a  ball  composed  of 


DISEASES    OF   THE   URINARY   ORGANS.  143 

Powdered  aloes. ...  3  vi. 

Calomel 3  ss. 

or, 

Linseed  oil 1  pint 

If  the  pain  and  straining  are  great,  add  to  either  of  the  above  an  ounce 
of  laudanum,  or  give: 

Extract  belladonna , gr.  xxx. 

Powdered  opium 3  ij. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses,  give  three  daily  while  the 
pain  lasts. 

If  the  suppression  of  urine  continue  several  days,  it  is  recommended 
that  the  flannel  cloths  or  a  sheepskin  be  wet  with  a  warm  infusion  of 
digitalis  leaves  and  applied  as  a  fomentation  to  the  loins,  and  continued 
until  the  kidneys  have  commenced  to  act,  when  it  should  be  discontinued. 

Mucilaginous  drinks,  such  as  linseed  tea,  hay  tea,  etc.,  should  be 
given  if  the  animal  will  take  them.  The  food,  which  must  be  sparingly 
given,  should  consist  of  bran  or  linseed  mashes,  grass,  and  carrots. 
Clover  is  objectionable. 

As  soon  as  the  congestion  is  relieved  by  these  measures,  the  kidneys 
will  again  begin  to  resume  their  secreting  function.  The  urine  at  first 
secreted,  however,  is  always  very  acrid,  and  therefore  causes  great  irrita- 
tion in  the  organ.  In  order  to  diminish  this  effect,  every  endeavor  must 
be  made  throughout  the  attack  to  get  the  horse  to  take  mucilaginous 
drinks  or  even  water.  Half  an  ounce  of  bicarbonate  of  soda  given  two 
or  three  times  a  days  in  the  drink  will  act  very  beneficially  at  this  period 
in  lessening  the  acidity  of  the  urine. 


CYSTITIS. 

Synonym. — Inflammation  of  the  bladder. 

Definition. — An  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  blad- 
der.    Exceedingly  rare  in  horses. 

Etiology. — Supposed  never  to  occur  except  as  a  result  of  such  irri- 


144  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

tants  as  croton  oil  or  cantharides  applied  externally  as  a  blister  or  taken 
internally. 

Symptoms. — Eobinson  says  this  disease  is  indicated  by  restlessness 
referable  to  abdominal  disturbance,  a  rather  peculiar  paddling  or  repeated 
moving  of  the  hind  feet,  and  occasional  -whisking  of  the  tail,  repeated 
micturitions  with  trifling  discharge,  pain  increased  on  making  attempts 
to  examine  the  state  of  the  bladder  from  the  rectum;  and  in  cases  of  some 
severity  or  long  standing,  where  the  contractile  power  of  the  sphincter  is 
lessened,  there  may  be  continuous  dribbling  of  urine. 

Treatment. — Give  only  linseed  tea,  milk,  or  mucilaginous  drinks. 
As  a  diuretic  give: 

Extract  of  hyoscyamus 3  i. 

If  the  trouble  has  been  caused  by  a  blister,  wash  and  clean  the  blis- 
tered part  thoroughly. 


DIABETES. 

Synonyms.— Profuse  staleing;  Diabetes  insipidus;  Polyuria;  Diure- 
sis. 

Definition. — A  disease  characterized  by  great  increase,  and  generally 
peculiar  alteration  of  the  urine.  It  is  accompanied  by  excessive  thirst, 
and  the  body  becomes  emaciated. 

Etiology. — The  presence  in  the  system  of  the  active  poison  of  glan- 
ders; indigestion,  and  feeding  of  damaged  or  musty  hoy  or  oats.  Boiled 
food  is  also  said  to  induce  profuse  diuresis. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  polyuria  aie  excessive  thirst,  and  un- 
usual urination.  The  appetite  is  depraved,  and  foul  substances  are  eaten 
in  preference  to  the  usual  provender.  The  mucous  membranes  are  pale 
and  dirty-colored,  the  breath  offensive,  and  the  pulse  thin  and  weak.  A 
disposition  to  perspire  on  slight  exertion  and  a  rough  coat  are  accom- 
panying symptoms. 

The  urine  is  pale  and  of  low  specific  gravity,  often  as  low  as  1003,  due 
ta  its  watery  character. 

In  some  cases  it  may  be  traced  to  the  too  frequent  use  of  ^'  condition 
balls,  or  powders," 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  145 

Diuresis  must  not  bo  confounded  with  that  simple  augmentation  in 
the  amount  of  urine  which  may  arise  from  a  multitude  of  causes,  some 
of  the  alimentary,  and  others  of  a  nervous  character.  Such  augmenta- 
tion, when  only  temporary,  must  not  be  viewed  in  the  light  of  disease. 

Treatment. — In  all  cases,  a  change  of  food  is  beneficial.  Grass, 
whenever  it  can  be  procured,  should  be  given. 

If  the  organs  of  digestion,  as  is  frequently  the  case,  are  out  of  order, 
a  dose  of: 

Linseed  oil 1  pint 

will  be  useful.     Give  linseed  tea  instead  of  water,  but  if  the  animal  will 
not  take  linseed  tea  freely,  he  must  be  allowed  water.     If  the  water 
which  he  has  been  drinking  is  hard,  it  should  be  boiled. 
Give  daily: 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  i. 

Iodine gr.  xxx. 

or  the  following: 

Iodine gr.  xxz. 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  ij. 

Powdered  gentian 3  iv. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  meal  and  molasses. 

In  bad  cases,  two  such  balls  may  be  given  daily  for  two  or  three  days, 
and  is  said  to  be  very  effectual  in  promoting  a  cure. 

As  great  prostration  accompanies  this  disease,  a  liberal  diet  should  be 
allowed. 

"When  the  bowels  are  opened,  give: 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  ij. 

twice  a  day  for  three  or  four  days,  when  its  effects  should  be  seen  in  the 
diminished  thirst  and  secretion  of  urine;  then  alternate  with  the  iodine: 

Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic §  as. 

or, 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  i. 

10 


146  VETERINARY   MEDICINE   AND    SUEGEEY. 

for  two  or  three  days,  after  which  discontinue.     Either  of  these  last  may 
be  given  in  the  drinking  water  or  food. 


RETENTION  OF  URINE. 

Synonyms. — Suppression  of  urine;  Ischuria;  Dysuria;  Strangury. 

Etiology. — Anytliing  which  impedes  the  flow  of  the  urine  from  the 
bladder,  such  as  spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  stone  in  the  bladder, 
cancer  of  the  penis,  dirt  in  the  sheath.  It  may  also  result  from  inability 
or  disinclination  of  the  animal  to  rise  upon  its  feet,  as  in  paralysis,  lami- 
nitis,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  frequent  and  ineffectual  attempts  to 
urinate;  if  standing,  the  animal  will  stretch  itself  out,  strain  violently, 
and  groan  with  pain,  discharging  but  a  few  drops  of  urine,  or  none  at  all. 
Examination  per  rectuxn  will  enable  the  practitioner  to  feel  the  distended 
bladder  with  the  hand,  and  this  distention  of  the  bladder  is  the  diagnos- 
tic symptom.  Such  an  examination  will  also  often  enable  him  to  discover 
the  cause;  if  from  enlarged  prostates,  these  will  be  felt  as  oval  bodies  im- 
mediately within  the  pelvis  pressing  upon  the  urethra. 

Treatment. — The  making  up  of  the  bedding  and  shaking  about  fresh 
straw  sometimes  creates  a  desire  and  attempt  to  pass  urine,  and  the 
effort  may  be  successful.  The  steady  pressure  of  the  hand  passed  through 
the  anus  on  the  fundus  of  the  bladder  will  often  cause  the  urine  to  be 
discharged.     Hand-rubbing  of  the  belly  is  also  beneficial. 

If  the  cause  be  paralysis  of  any  sort,  the  bladder  must  be  emptied  by 
the  catheter,  Figs.  58  and  59.  Fig.  60  shows  the  direction  taken  by 
the  catheter  to  the  bladder.  In  the  absence  of  a  catheter,  or  preference 
not  to  attempt  its  use,  foment  the]  loins  with  cloths  wrung  out  in  hot 
water,  clothe  warmly,  and  give: 

Linseed  oil 1  pint 

and  afterward  a  ball  of 

Ground  opium. 3  iss. 

Gum  camphor 3  ij. 

Linseed  oil  and  molasses suflBcient. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    URINAKY   ORGANS.  147 

The  ball  may  be  repeated  if  after  an  hour  or  two  the  horse  has  not  urin- 
ated. 

If  from  constipation  and  the  consequent  accumulation  of  hardened 
fgeces  in  the  rectum,  the  cause  must  be  removed  by  frequent  injections  of 
oil  and  water,  or  soap  and  water,  or,  if  necessary,  the  removal  of  the  im- 
pacted dung  by  the  hand,  called  by  some  "  lack-raking.''''  Always  empty 
the  bladder  by  the  catheter  first. 

If  retention  is  caused  by  the  foul  condition  of  the  sheath,  it  may  be 
the  difficulty  will  be  overcome  without  using  the  catheter  when  it  has 
been  thoroughly  cleaned  with  warm  water  and  castile  soap,  to  which  add 
a  few  drops  of  carbolic  acid  to  overcome  the  foetid  smell.  After  washing, 
anoint  the  sheath  and  penis  with  a  little  vaseline. 


BALANITIS. 

Synonyms. — External  clap;  Gonorrhoea  of  the  prepuce;  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  penis  and  sheath. 

Definition. — Inflammation  of  the  glans  penis,  generally  extending  to 
the  sheath. 

Etiology. — This  is  quite  common  in  stables  where  proper  cleanliness 
is  not  observed;  the  natural  secretions  collect  on  the  penis  and  folds  of 
the  sheath,  dust  and  dirt  get  between  them,  and  by-and-by  an  inflamma- 
tion is  set  up  by  the  decomposition  and  irritation. 

Symptoms. — At  first  a  slight  discharge  of  yellowish  pus  is  observed, 
having  a  very  foetid  odor.  The  parts  swell,  and  ulcers  form  inside  the 
sheath. 

Treatment. — If  the  penis  can  be  drawn  out,  wash  it  thoroughly  with 
warm  water  and  soap;  if  it  cannot  be  got  at,  syringe  out  the  cavity  of  the 
sheath;  then  apply: 

Chloride  of  zinc 3ij. 

Water 1  pint. 

Eepeat  daily  until  cured. 


148  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


AZOTURIA. 

Synonyms. — Enzootic  hsematuria;  Nitrogenous  urine;  Albuminuria. 

Beflnition. — A  blood  disease  characterized  by  an  abnormal  amount 
of  nitrogenous  material  in  the  system.  It  powerfully  affects  the  nervous 
system,  causing  convulsions  and,  in  fatal  cases,  death  in  a  few  hours. 

Symptoms. — Kobertson  thus  describes  the  symptoms:  ^'  They  are  in- 
variably of  an  extremely  sudden  and  urgent  character;  there  is  no  warn- 
ing or  premonitory  indications  of  either  disturbed  digestion  or  innerva- 
tion, rather  the  opposite,  the  animal  immediately  preceding  the  attack 
being  in  the  very  acme  of  health  and  vigor. 

Although  horses  laid  aside  from  work  or  active  exercise  and  regularly 
fed  may  have  an  attack  while  stationary  in  the  house,  the  greater  num- 
ber of  seizures  are  in  animals  where  this  rest  and  steady  good  feeding 
has  been  succeeded  by  work  or  exercise;  that  is,  the  period  of  a  probable 
seizure  is  on  being  taken  from  the  stable  for  exercise  or  work  following 
some  days  of  idleness.  On  removal  from  the  stable,  the  animal  may  pro- 
ceed a  very  short  distance — I  have  seen  them  travel  only  a  few  hundred 
yards,  at  other  times  a  few  miles — when  seized  with  an  unaccountable 
lameness  or  difiBculty  in  moving  the  limb  or  limbs,  generally  the  hind 
ones,  they  are  with  difficulty  got  into  their  own  or  some  convenient  sta- 
ble; or  they  may  suddenly  reel,  lose  control  over  their  posterior  extremi- 
ties, and  come  violently  to  the  ground.  Many  of  these  very  sudden 
attacks,  unless  we  bear  in  recollection  the  possible  occurrence  of  this  dis- 
ease and  know  the  history  of  the  case,  are  apt  to  be  at  first  mistaken  for 
some  lesion  of  the  spine  or  muscles  of  the  back  or  loins.  Other  cases, 
not  so  suddenly  developing  the  musculo-nervous  symptoms,  may,  in  the 
earliest  stages  of  illness,  give  indications  of  colic;  they  are  restless,  paw- 
ing with  the  fore-feet,  inclined  to  perspire,  and  exhibit  a  disposition  to 
lie  down.  It  is  when  attempting  to  do  this  that  we  generally  observe  the 
feebleness  and  want  of  motor-power  in  the  hind  limbs.  Very  shortly 
the  more  specially  characteristic  symptoms  show  themselves,  if  they 
have  not  been  observed  from  the  outset.  These  are  tremors  and  spas- 
modic twitcliings  of  the  great  muscles  of  the  loins  and  gluteal  region,  ulti- 
mately settling  into  tonic  contraction  or  more  or  less  perfect  loss  of 
power;  together  with  discharge  of  brown  or  coffee-colored  urine  in  nor- 
mal or  extra  amount. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  149 

In  the  greater  number  of  cases,  in  the  early  stages,  the  pulse  will  vary 
in  frequency  from  sixty  to  seventy  per  minute,  and  in  character  from 
weak  and  feeble  to  rather  strong,  the  temperature  ranging  from  103°  F. 
to  105°  F.  In  the  slightly  affected  cases  the  appetite  will  not  be  im- 
paired, and  the  bowels  may  be  natural.  In  the  severely  seized  the  animal 
is  i^rostrate,  perfectly  unable  to  rise,  will  neither  eat  nor  drink,  but  con- 
tinues to  make  ineffectual  attempts  to  rise,  and  struggles  violently  with 
his  legs  until  completely  exhausted.  In  these  latter  there  are  occasionally 
indications  of  cerebral  disturbance,  partial  coma,  with  much  engorge- 
ment of  conjunctival  membranes. 

During  the  time  they  remain  recumbent,  also  in  many  cases  which  have 
been  placed  in  slings,  there  are  periodic  fits  of  straining,  ejectment  of  small 
quantities  of  dirty-colored  urine,  or  constant  and  involuntary  dribbling 
of  it  from  the  passages . 

The  only  diseases  in  the  horse  with  which  this  affection  may  be  con- 
founded are  anthrax  and  cerebrospinal  fever.  From  the  former  of  these 
it  may  be  differentiated — 1.  By  the  constancy  of  lameness  or  defect  of 
motor-power  in  the  third  limbs,  which  in  anthrax  is  rarely  or  only  occa- 
sionally exhibited;  2.  The  comparative  frequency  of  this  affection  and 
its  special  liability  to  follow  rest  and  liberal  dieting;  3.  The  presence  in 
anthrax  of  the  specific  organisms,  the  bacillus  anthracis,  and  the  jiower 
of  propagation  by  inoculation;  4.  The  rarity  of  recovery  in  anthrax  as 
compared  with  azoturia.  From  cerebro-spinal  fever  it  is  distinguished 
— 1.  By  the  physical  and  chemical  characters  of  the  urine;  2.  By  the 
non-coincidence  of  the  appearance  of  cerebro-spinal  fever  with  conditions 
of  rest  and  peculiarities  of  diet;  3.  By  the  greater  constancy  in  this  dis- 
ease of  morbid  lesions  in  connection  with  the  organs  of  assimilation  as 
contrasted  with  those  observed  in  the  great  nerve-centres  in  the  other." 

Treatment. — Keep  the  various  excretory  organs  acting  freely,  in 
order  to  assist  nature  in  expelling  the  degraded  products  from  the  circu- 
lation. For  this  purpose  a  cathartic  or  oleaginous  aperient  ought  to  be 
administered  without  delay.     Give  preferably  : 

Aloes 3vi. 

Ginger 3ij. 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses aa,  sufficient. 

The  kidneys  generally  act  freely  enough,  and  need  no  stimulus;  but 


150  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    8UK&ERY. 

should  they  cease  to  perforin  their  functions,  diuretics,  and  more  particu- 
larly colchicnm, 

Tincture  of  colchicum |  L 

In  drinking  water. 

are  to  be  used.  The  animal  should  always  be  placed  in  a  large,  well- 
bedded,  dry,  loose  box,  with  plenty  of  short  straw  or  chaff  around  it, 
which  is  to  be  removed  as  soon  as  it  becomes  damp  or  wet.  If  unable  to 
rise,  it  is  to  be  turned  from  side  to  side  two  or  three  times  a  day,  or  more 
frequently  if  it  becomes  uneasy.  Enemas  are  to  be  administered  until 
purgation  commences,  and  plenty  of  diluents  allowed.  Generally  the 
horse  is  thirsty,  and  will  drink  cold  water  freely  and  to  manifest  advan- 
tage. 

There  is  no  necessity  to  aggravate  the  disease  by  either  stimulants  or 
sedatives.  They  always  do  harm  during  the  first  stages  of  the  malady. 
If,  however,  towards  the  third  day  the  animal  seems  depressed,  moderate 
doses  of  spirits  of  nitrous  ether  may  be  given  two  or  three  times  daily; 
and  about  this  time  attempts  should  be  made  to  get  the  horse  on  its  legs. 
If  unable  to  do  so  without  assistance,  the  slings  should  be  placed  under 
it,  and  it  is  to  be  gradually  placed  on  its  feet.  At  first  it  will  be  much 
disinclined  to  stand,  and  will  be  apt  to  fall  from  muscular  weakness;  but 
if  the  limbs  are  supported  and  smartly  hand-rubbed  for  some  minutes, 
they  will  regain  much  of  their  lost  power,  the  horse  will  begin  to  ''feel 
himself,"  as  is  commonly  said,  and  will  often  commence  to  feed  and  do 
well.  It  should  be  kept  in  the  slings  for  a  few  days,  but  taken  out  occa- 
sionally for  a  little  exercise;  and  when  allowed  to  lie  down  for  the  first 
time,  it  should  be  carefully  watched,  as  it  is  apt  to  knock  about  very 
much  if  unable  to  rise  with  ease. 

During  the  first  few  days  the  diet  is  to  be  of  the  lightest  description 
and  restricted  in  quantity,  but  when  convalescence  has  commenced,  it 
must  be  moderately  nutritive  and  easy  of  digestion,  as  much  muscular 
debility  exists  in  the  digestive  apparatus  as  well  as  in  the  voluntary  mus- 
cles.    At  this  stage  Kobinson  advises  a  ball  of 

Nux  vomica 3  ss.  to  3  i. 

Gentian, 

Ginger aa  3  ij. 

Linseed  meal, 

Turpentine aa  sufficient. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    UKINAKY    ORGANS.  151 

Williams  says  he  has  never  seen  any  benefit  accrue  from  external  ap- 
plications to  the  loins  or  back;  that,  on  the  contrary,  fomentations,  fric- 
tions, stimulants,  or  blisters  increase  the  irritability  of  the  animal,  cause 
it  to  struggle  when  it  otherwise  would  remain  quiet,  and  do  much  harm; 
while  Robertson  advises  them. 

During  convalescence  care  must  be  taken  not  to  overload  the  stomach, 
and  to  promote  a  healthy  condition  by  judicious  variety  in  food. 


BLOODY    URINE. 

Etiology. — Bloody  urine  generally  arises  from  sprain  of  the  muscles 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  kidneys.  It  may  also  be  due  to  an  escape  of 
the  coloring  matter  of  the  blood,  without  any  inflammation  being  pres- 
ent. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  in  such  cases  is  rest  and  laxative  diet, 
especially  grass.     Linseed  tea  should  also  be  given. 


PHIMOSIS 

Definition. — *' A  morbid  condition  of  the  prepuce  or  sheath,  which, 
from  contj'action  of  the  orifice,  prevents  the  drawing  in  or  exit  of  the 
penis. " — (Percivall.  ) 

Etiology.  —Phimosis  is  the  result  of  inflammation  or  engorgement  of 
the  sheath  round  about  the  orifice,  or  of  enlargement  of  the  glans  penis,  or 
of  co-existence  of  these  states.  Blows,  kicks,  contusions,  wounds,  abscesses 
within  the  sheath,  the  presence  of  warts  or  excrescences  of  any  kind,  polypi 
even,  may  all  be  set  down  as  occasional  causes.  In  geldings  the  penis 
becomes  diminished  in  volume  and  length,  so  much  so  in  some  horses  as 
not  to  appear  protruded  in  the  act  of  urination;  in  which  case  the  sebaceous 
secretion  furnished  by  the  interior  of  the  prepuce  accumulates  within  the 
folds  of  the  integument,  and  acquires,  by  detention,  irritating  properties, 
which  cause  the  glans  penis  to  inflame  and  swell  to  that  degree  that  the 
animal  can  no  longer  pass  his  urine.  In  addition  to  these  causes  phimo- 
sis is  occasionally  seen  Avhen  the  sheath  is  much  swollen  from  oedema, 
reduced  by  want  of  exercise,  disease,  the  stings  of  insects,  or  castration. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  must  depend  upon  the  cause.    If  that  be 


152  VETERINA.KY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGERY. 

inflammatory,  antiplilogistics,  fomentations,  and  perhaps  scarifications;  if 
cedematous,  scarifications,  frictions  with  the  hand,  exercise,  diuretics,  or 
purgatives,  as  tlie  case  may  be;  and  when  associated  witli  debilitating  dis- 
eases, tonics  and  good  food.  Cold  fomentations  are  generally  of  great 
service. 

PARAPHIMOSIS. 

The  penis  is  protruded  in  paraphimosis,  and  cannot  be  withdrawn 
within  the  sheath. 

Etiology. — It  may  arise  from  a  weakened  condition  of  the  penis, 
sometimes  associated  with  debilitating  diseases,  or  a  paralysis  sui  generis, 
or  from  swelling  of  the  glans  penis,  with  protrusion  and  enlargement  of 
it,  arising  from  an  accident  or  castration;  the  sheath  forming  a  tight  con- 
striction around  it,  and  preventing  its  retraction.  It  may  also  be  caused 
by  excessive  venereal  action,  continued  friction  against  the  mare  before 
coition,  kicks  from  vicious  females,  or  blows  of  a  stick.  *'The  penis 
paraphimosed  "  (says  D'Arboval)  *' appears  protruded  out  of  its  sheath 
to  the  extent  of  half  a  foot,  swollen  to  the  size,  perhaps,  of  a  man's 
thigh,  evidently  in  consequence  of  effusion  into  the  cellular  tissue  of  its 
envelopes,  and  is  curved  in  the  form  of  an  arc,  and  knotted  from  partial 
circular  contractions,  which,  when  excessive,  are  productive  of  congestion 
of  the  organ  (Fig.  72).    Its  extremity,  the  part  most  tumefied,,  turns  of  a 


Fig.  72. 
The  penis  in  paraphimosis. 


red-brown;  violent  inflammation  accompanies  all  this,  and  the  consequent 
pain  is  extreme.  For  all  there  is  so  much  swelling,  however,  in  general 
the  urine  gets  a  j^assage,  though,  should  the  inflammation  run  very  high, 
and  spread  to  the  body  of  the  penis,  gangrene  may  be  the  result." 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  153 

Treatment. — Fomentations  with  cold  water,  friction,  moderate  exer- 
cise whenever  jjossible. 

Broad's  treatment  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Put  the  penis  into  a  tight  elastic  stocking  by  squeezing  it  with  the 
hands,  and  as  it  reduces,  lessen  the  size  of  the  stocking,  and  suspend  the 
penis  as  much  as  possible.  If  there  be  much  effusion  into  the  surround- 
ing tissues,  apply  a  wide  canvas  band,  with  long  straps  and  buckles, 
round  the  body,  so  as  to  supjoort  and  cause  pressure  to  the  swollen  tis- 
sues. A  few  hours'  compression  from  the  stocking  will  often  reduce  it 
sufficiently  to  enable  the  horse  to  retract  it. 

Amputation,  which  is  necessary  in  certain  cases,  should  only  be  at- 
tempted by  a  professional  veterinarian. 


CHAPTER  YIIL 

DISEASES   OF  THE  SKIN. 

Cracked  Heels,  Scratches,  Acne,  "Warbles,  Slight  Tumors,  Sitfasts,  Erythema, 
Mud  Fever,  Urticaria,  Nettle  Rash,  Surfeit,  Scabies,  Mange,  Itch,  Scab, 
Prurigo,  Pruritus,  Surfeit,  Ringworm,  Herpes  Circinnatus,  Tinea  tonsurans, 
Warts,  Eczema,  Eczema  Simplex,  Mallenders,  Sallenders,  Humid  Tetter, 
Lichen  or  Rat-tails,  Eczema  Pustulosura,  Grease,  Psoriasis. 


CRACKED  HEELS. 


Synonyms. — Scratches. 


f 


Fig.  73. 
Cracked  Heels. 


Definition. — Cracked  heels  are  chaps  of  the  skin  in  and  about  the  hol- 
low of  the  heel. 

Etiology. — This  affection  is  usually  produced  by  exposure  to  wet  and 


156  VETERINAKY    MEDICINjj;    AND    SCKGERY.       " 

cold,  and  therefore  occurs  most  frequently  in  the  fall  and  winter  months. 
Too  close  clipping  of  the  long  hair  which  is  the  natural  protection  to 
those  j)arts  predisposed  to  it. 

Symptoms. — Lameness,  more  pronounced  when  starting  off.  Dry, 
inflamed  condition  of  the  skin  about  the  jjarts,  and  subsequently  small 
crusts  from  which  a  thin  watery  discharge  exudes.  In  bad  cases  the  en- 
tire leg,  and  even  the  belly  is  affected. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  parts  dry.  If  necessary  to  wash,  do  so  with 
warm  water  and  castile  soap,  and  dry  thorouglily.  If  the  skin  be  un- 
broken, rub  with  fresh  lard  or  vaseline.  Dust  with  powdered  alum  twice 
a  day.     If  cracked,  rub  with: 

Carbonate  of  zinc 3  i. 

Lard 3  vi. 

Mix. 

If  the  edges  of  the  crusts  look  indolent,  they  may  be  touched  with  a 
solution  of  sulphate  of  copper,  two  ounces  in  a  pint  of  water. 

It  is  a  very  troublesome  affection  and  often  takes  a  long  time  to  over- 
come. 

ACNE. 

Synonyms. — Warbles;  Slight  tumors;  Sitfasts. 

Warbles  or  Slight  Tumors. 

Definition. — Warbles  are  recent  soft  swellings  or  tumors  arising  from 
inflammation  of  the  skin. 

Etiology. — They  are  generally  caused  by  friction  or  undue  pressure 
of  the  saddle  girth  or  collar  on  the  part  affected,  or  sometimes  by  bad 
saddling  or  bad  riding,  even  though  the  saddle  fit  perfectly.  The  swell- 
ing itself  is  due  to  a  slight  effusion  of  serum  or  lymph,  or  of  both,  pro- 
duced by  inflammation  of  the  sebaceous  follicles  of  the  skin. 

Treatment. — The  first  essential  in  treatment  is  to  remove  the  cause 
of  the  irritation.  In  addition,  the  horse  should,  if  possible,  be  spared  from 
work  for  a  day  or  two.  The  stuffing  and  fitting  of  the  saddle  or  other 
article  of  equipment  should  be  looked  to  and,  if  necessary,  altered.  Har- 
ness lined  with  woollen  cloth  of  any  kind  should  be  avoided.  In  some 
cases  a  chamber  must  be  made  over  the  i^art  affected. 

The  warble  itself  will  be  best  treated  by  the  application  of  solution  of 


I 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  157 

salt  and  water.  If  the  part  continues  indolent  and  is  likely  to  suppurate, 
the  injury  is  beyond  what  is  usually  called  a  warble,  and  must  be  treated 
according  to  its  nature  and  degree,  as  a  contused  wound,  by  application 
of 

Biniodide  of  mercury 1  part 

Lard 16  parts 

or  the  continued  application  of  poultices: 

Lineeed  meal, 

Sweet  O-l, 

Boiling  water aa  sufficient. 

Mix  the  meal  with  the  water  and  then  stir  in  the  oil. 

Troublesome  fluctuating  warbles  sometimes  require  to  be  laid  open 
through  the  centre  from  end  to  end.  The  interior  should  then  be  in- 
jected with  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  say: 

Carbolic  acid 1  part 

Water * 50  parts 

and  cold-water  dressings  with  one  per  cent  of  carbolic  acid  may  afterward 
be  applied  to  the  part  until  healed. 


Sit  PASTS. 

When  a  swelling  such  as  just  described,  either  by  neglect  or  by  re- 
peated recurrence  of  the  cause,  has  become  hard  and  insensible,  and  the 
skin  is  permanently  injured,  it  is  no  longer  termed  a  warble,  but  is  known 
as  a  sitfast,  because  of  the  difi&culty  of  removing  it.  The  skin  becomes 
thickened  and  half  dead,  and  is  often  adherent  to  the  bottom  of  the  sore 
and  kept  alive  by  blood  at  its  root.  The  sitfast  will  frequently  be  found 
to  be  partially  separated  all  round  from  the  living  skin. 

The  best  treatment  is  to  cut  it  out.  Cut  the  tissue  and  remove  every 
particle  of  the  hard  horny  skin,  after  which  it  may  be  carefully  touched 
with  nitrate  of  silver,  to  remove  any  of  the  disorganized  part  which  has 
been  left  by  the  knife. 


158 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


True  elastic  skin  of  the  original  quality  is  never  reproduced  when 
once  destroyed,  either  in  the  case  of  sitfasts  or  of  any  other  injuries;  but 


y^' 


a  substitute  is  formed  which  answers  sufiBciently  well  in  most  cases,  and 
the  skin  all  round  will  contract  in  such  a  way  as  to  leave  only  a  small 
scar. 

ERYTHEMA. 


Synonym.— Mud  Fever. 

Definition. — An  inflammation  of  the  outer  layer  of  the  skin. 

Etiology. — An  exposure  to  cold,  wet,  undue  pressure  of  the  harness, 
abrasions  of  the  skin.  Also  hereditary  predisposition,  clipping,  and  the 
practice  of  cutting  the  hair  closely  on  the  legs,  and  particularly  about 
the  fetlock  joint. 

Symptoms. — If  the  skin  is  colorless,  a  general  redness  may  be  per- 
ceived, and  there  is  some  heat  and  slight  swelling.  In  the  form  termed 
mud  fever,  all  the  legs  and  the  surface  of  the  abdomen  are  sometimes 
covered  by  patches  of  superficial  inflammation.  The  hair  and  cuticle 
subsequently  come  off  in  patches.  After  cracked  heels  and  scratches,  the 
skin  sometimes  presents  a  scabby  appearance,  and  the  legs  swell  at  night. 
Slight  stiffness  may  appear  in  the  gait  when  first  moved  in  the  morning, 
which  soon  disappears. 


I 


DISEASES    OF   THE   SKIN.  159 

Treatment. — For  mud  fever  Williams  recommends: 

Glycerin 3  iv. 

Diluted  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead 3  ss. 

Apply  once  or  twice  daily  and  exercise  the  animal  by  walking  moderately. 
Other  treatment  will  be  seldom  required. 

For  erythema  of  the  legs. — Avoid  the  cause;  apply  zinc  ointment: 

Carbonate  of  zinc '. . .  §  i. 

Lard §  vi. 

or  a  liniment  of: 

Solution  of  subacetate  of  lead §  ij. 

Olive  oil I  viij. 

In  cases  of  long  standing,  it  is  best  to  touch  the  parts  with  a  solution  of 
nitrate  of  silver: 

Nitrate  of  silver 3  i. 

Water |  i. 

If  the  skin  is  very  tender  and  easily  galled  by  the  harness,  foment  the 
part  with : 

Acetate  of  lead ^  i. 

Water 1  pint 


URTICARIA. 

Synonrays. — Nettle-rash;  Surfeit. 

Definition. — This  is  a  frequent  form  of  skin  disease  in  the  horse,  and 
consists  of  an  eruption  of  elastic  eminences,  roundish  or  oblong  in  shape, 
and  attended  with  itching. 

Symptoms. — The  lumps  rise  quickly,  and  upon  the  greater  part  of 
the  body,  generally  beginning  upon  the  neck,  and  frequently  disappear- 


160  VETERINARY   MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 

ing  as  suddenly  as  they  come.  They  are  unequal  in  size,  some  like  hemp- 
seed,  others  as  large  as  beans,  and  flattened  upon  their  surface. 

The  peculiarity  of  this  form  of  eruption  is  its  suddenness.  The 
lumps  appear  upon  all  parts  of  the  body  in  the  course  of  a  few  minutes. 
It  is  caused  by  some  disorder  of  the  digestive  apparatus,  and  is  some- 
times preceded  by  colic  and  diarrhoea. 

A  sudden  change  of  diet  will  frequently  produce  it,  and  it  is  not  at 
all  uncommon  when  horses  are  first  fed  on  grass.  It  is  supposed  that 
poisonous  herbs,  a  draught  of  cold  water  when  the  animal  is  heated, 
sudden  exposure  to  cold  and  damp,  and  calculi  or  worms  in  the  intes- 
tines, are  causes  of  it. 

Treatment. — As  a  rule,  this  is  a  very  simple  matter,  a  mild  purga- 
tive being  all  that  is  necessary.     Give  a  ball  of: 

Powdered  aloes 3  vi. 

Ginger 3  ij* 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses aa  sufficient. 

Should  there  be  much  itchiness — the  animal  rubbing  itself — the  skin 
must  be  bathed  with  warm  water,  dressed  with  the  acetate  of  lead  lo- 
tion, recommended  for  erythema,  and  low  diet  prescribed  for  a  few  days. 


SCABIES. 

Synonyms. — Mange;  Itch;  Scab. 

Etiology. — This  disease  depends  upon  the  presence  of  a  parasitic 
insect  (Fig.  75),  which  is  so  small  that  it  can  be  seen  with  the  naked 
eye  only  by  the  most  careful  scrutiny.  The  attacks  of  this  animalcule 
cause  irritation  and  itching  of  the  skin,  and,  as  a  result,  the  hair  falls 
off  in  patches. 

Mange  is  a  sure  sign  of  neglect  and  dirt,  or  of  injudicious  feeding,  or 
of  bad  management  of  some  sort. 

While  mango  is  said  to  be  non-contagious  among  healthy  and  well- 
groomed  horses,  it  is,  nevertheless,  proper  to  isolate  any  horse  affected 
with  mange,  and  not  use  the  same  brush  and  comb  as  on  other  animals. 

Symptoms. — Mange  usually  commences  at  the  roots  of  the  hair  of 


DISEASES   OF   THE    SKIN. 


161 


the  mane  and  tail.  Multitudes  of  minute  pustules  appear,  whose  sum- 
mits gradually  expand,  burst,  and  coalesce  with  one  another;  and  the 
discharge  from  these  forms  patches  of  crusts  upon  the  skin.  Under 
these  crusts  the  hair  loosens  at  its  roots,  and  either  falls  out  or  is  rubbed 
off  from  time  to  time,  and  at  length  the  place  is  left  bare. 


Fig.  75. 
Dermatodectes  Equi. 

The  skin  loses  its  elasticity,  becomes  corrugated  in  harsh  dry  folds, 
especially  about  the  neck  and  sides;  sometimes  blood  oozes  from  the  bare 
places.     The  disease  is  accompanied  with  intolerable  itching. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  mange  must  be  thorough  to  be  ef- 
fective. The  parts  affected  must  be  dressed  with  a  solution  of  carbolic 
acid  in  the  proportion  of  half  an  ounce  of  the  acid  to  a  pint  of  water. 

In  slight  and  recent  cases,  the  skin  will  soon  recover  its  tone  when 
11 


162  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

the  itch  mites  have  been  killed,  and  in  most  cases  the  hair  will  grow- 
again. 

Brush  of  dry  all  the  loose  incrustations  and  scurf,  and  wash  thor- 
oughly with  soap  and  warm  water  in  which  a  little  bicarbonate  of  sodium 
has  been  dissolved.  Dry,  and  apply  tliorougJily  any  one  of  the  following, 
viz.: 

Oil  of  turpentine , §  i. 

Soft  soap §  iij. 

Or, 

Ammoniated  mercury |  i. 

Fresh  lard |iij. 

Or, 

Flowers  of  sulphur §ij. 

Ointment  of  carbolic  acid §  vij. 


PRURIGO. 

Synonyms. — Pruritus;  Surfeit. 

Definition. — A  disordered  condition  of  the  skin  characterized  by  in- 
tense itching. 

Etiology. — It  is  usually  ascribed  to  over-feeding  with  highly  nutri- 
tious food  and  too  little  work. 


Fig.  76. 
Sign  of  Prurigo. 

Symptoms. — Patches  of  pimples  on  those  parts  of  the  body  covered 
by  harness,  especially  under  the  collar,  which  itch  intolerably  and  cause 
the  horse  to  scratch  and  bite  the  affected  parts.  Fig.  76  is  a  common 
symptom  of  the  disorder. 

Treatment. — Feed  more  moderately  and  give  steady  work.  Mix  and 
apply  to  the  affected  parts: 


DISEASES    OT    THE    SKIN. 


163 


Liquor  potassa 3  ij- 

Hydrocyanic  acid 3  i. 

Water 1  quart. 

Pruritus  of  the  tail  is  a  very  common  form  of  the  disease,  and  seems 
to  become  a  habit  with  some  horses.  Sometimes,  however,  it  depends 
upon  the  presence  of  ascarides  in  the  rectum.  The  treatment  con- 
sists in  giving  enemas  of  a  decoction  of  quassia  to  destroy  the  parasites, 
dressing  the  tail  with  mercurial  ointment,  or  with  equal  parts  of  paraffin 
and  fish  oil,  and  if  the  disease  affects  the  skin  generally,  give  twice  daily: 

Flowers  of  sulphur 3  i j. 

Arsenic  ..    ■. gr.  ij. 

mixed  with  the  food;  and  when  the  prurigo  is  a  habit,  the  root  of  the  tail 
must  be  protected  by  a  strong  leather  band,  securely  fastened  whilst  the 
animal  is  in  the  stable. 


RINGWORM. 

Synonyms. — Herpes  circinatus;  Tinea  tonsurans. 
Definition. — An  eruption  upon  the  skin  which  assumes  a  circular 
form.     In  herpes  circinatus,  the  eruption  is  vesicular  and  is  non-con- 


ii;!V/VHi)iV"r 


Appearance  of  Ringworm. 


tagious.     When  a  hair  is  pulled  out,  the  root  or  bulb  will  usually  come  out 
with  it.     The  eruption  of  tinea  tonsurans,  on  the  contrary,  is  character- 


164r  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

ized  by  absence  of  vesicles  and  by  the  formation  of  scurf  around  the  hairs, 
which  in  tliis  form  of  ringworm  break  off  short  on  being  pulled.  Tinea 
tonsurans  is  contagious.  Herpes  circinatus  is  due  to  derangement  of 
the  digestive  organs,  or  the  respiratory  mucous  membrane. 

Etiology. — Tinea  tonsurans  is  produced  by  a  vegetable  parasite 
which  affects  especially  the  hair  follicles.  The  disease  may  commence  in 
any  part. 

Symptoms. — In  herpes,  the  vesicles,  large  or  small,  in  ring  form,  in- 
closing healthy  skin,  are  typical  (Fig.  77).  In  tinea,  a  white  scaly  scurf, 
accompanied  with  staring  of  the  hairs  in  the  part  affected,  is  the  first 
positive  indication,  followed  by  a  thickened  scurf  with  raised  eminences. 
This  spreads  rapidly  in  blotches  over  the  neighboring  parts,  generally 
assuming  the  form  of  rings,  and  the  hair  falls  off.  The  appearance  is  so 
peculiar  that  the  disease  cannot  be  mistaken  by  any  one  who  has  ever 
seen  a  case. 

In  ordinary  cases,  tinea  is  not  very  contagious,  though  generally  sup- 
posed to  be  so.  It  frequently,  however,  runs  through  stables,  much  in 
the  same  way  as  influenza  and  other  diseases,  because  similar  causes  pro- 
duce similar  effects. 

Treatment. — Herpes  commonly  requires  little  treatment.  The 
parts  may  be  washed  with  lead  liniment: 

Solution  of  subacetate  of  lead §  ij. 

Olive  oil §  vii j. 

In  tinea  the  hair  should  be  clipped  off  round  the  blotches,  and  the  parts 
must  be  well  washed  as  in  mange,  and  apply: 

Iodide  of  potassium §  i. 

Flowers  of  sulphur |  ij. 

Iodine |ss. 

Lard |viij. 

Mix  thoroughly. 


Or, 


Nitrate  of  silver gr.  x. 

Lard 5  i. 


In  either  form  of  ringworm,  a  bran  mash  with  a  pound  of  boiled 
linseed  meal  daily,  in  addition  to  the  usual  food  for  a  few  days,  will 
exert  a  beneficial  influence  on  the  skin;  and  an  alterative  consisting  of: 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN".  165 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Flowers  of  sulphur gr.  xxx. 

may  also  be  given  in  the  mash  for  two  or  three  days. 


WARTS. 

Etiology. — Unknown. 

They  appear  on  the  thin  and  more  delicate  portions  of  the  skin, 
as  the  sheath,  the  inner  surfaces  of  the  hind  limbs,  the  abdomen,  the 
eyelids,  and  the  sides  of  the  nose,  and  sometimes  on  the  neck,  where  the 
skin  has  been  injured  by  the  collar. 

They  vary  in  size  from  that  of  a  pea  to  that  of  a  large  potato.  The 
wart  commences  as  a  small  round  substance,  and  gradually  increases. 
As  it  increases,  it  becomes  divided  into  clefts  and  fissures,  from  which 
the  blood  occasionally  exudes. 

Treatment. — Warts,  if  removed,  should  be  operated  upon  while  yet 
small.  The  best  practice  is  to  scrape  the  surface  and  then  dress  it  with 
chloride  of  zinc.  Large  warts  may,  however,  require  to  be  removed  by 
the  knife.  Some  care  is  needed  in  the  operation  to  prevent  excessive 
bleeding.  The  divided  blood-vessels  should  be  stanched  by  some  styptic, 
as  tannin,  persulphate  of  iron,  or,  if  necessary,  the  application  of  the  hot 
iron. 

In  some  cases,  where  there  is  a  small  base,  the  wart  may  be  deprived 
of  its  nutriment  by  means  of  a  silk  ligature  tied  tightly  round  it,  and  in 
due  time  it  will  perish  and  drop  off.  In  other  cases,  small  warts,  after 
an  incision  has  been  made  in  the  skin  over  them,  may  be  squeezed  out 
by  the  fingers. 

It  is  as  well,  when  the  warts  appear  on  such  delicate  parts  as  the  eye- 
lids or  lips,  to  try  the  effect  of  repeated  applications  of  nitric  acid,  being 
very  careful  that  the  acid  does  not  touch  any  part  except  the  wart. 


ECZEMA. 

The  majority  of  skin  diseases,  says  Williams,  particularly  in  the  horse, 
are  due  to  the  expression  of  some  form  of  eczema;  indeed,  it  may  be 
looked  upon  as  the  commonest  form  of  skin  disease. 


166  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY.. 

The  vesicles  wliicli  characterize  eczema  are  usually  developed  at  the 
orifices  of  the  cutaneous  follicles,  are  easily  ruptured,  and  discharge  a 
fluid  which  is  glutinous  and  irritating  to  the  skin.  When  the  vesicles 
are  not  ruptured,  they  terminate  by  absorption  of  the  fluid;  but  the  dis- 
ease does  not  often  come  to  an  end  with  the  drying  up  of  one  crop  of 
vesicles.  More  commonly,  the  eruption  is  successive,  and  crop  after 
crop  of  vesicles  is  formed;  or  the  surface,  on  which  they  first  appeared, 
remains  red  and  raw,  and  continues  to  discharge  a  fluid  resembling  that 
contained  in  the  vesicles.  After  the  disease  has  existed  some  time,  there 
is  a  thickening  of  the  derma,  which  becomes  corrugated,  more  especially 
in  those  parts  of  the  body  where  the  skin  is  naturally  loose  and  movable. 

The  individual  vesicles  of  eczema  do  not  last  long,  and  in  some  cases 
no  vesicles  are  found;  but  the  skin  is  inflamed,  and  fissures  make  their 
appearance  in  the  epidermis.  These  fissures  are  at  first  suj)erficial,  but 
become  deeper  if  the  disease  continues.  Eczema  characterized  by  fissures 
is  generally  a  chronic  form  of  the  disease.  The  various  forms  of  eczema 
which  affect  horses  are:  eczema  simplex  or  humid  tetter,  lichen,  and 
eczemp.  pustulosum  or  grease. 

Eczema  Simplex,  Humid  Tetter, 

is  a  non-contagious  disease,  and  it  usually  commences  about  the  neck 
shoulders,  back,  and  thighs.  It  usually  comes  on  suddenly,  and  is  mani- 
fested by  itchiness,  which  causes  the  animal  to  rub  and  bite  itself  until 
the  hair  and  cuticle  are  brought  off,  leaving  the  skin  red,  raw,  and  in- 
flamed. Successive  crops  of  vesicles  develop  themselves,  dry  on  the  sore 
skin,  or  discharge  a  fluid  which  seems  to  cause  an  extension  of  the  dis- 
order. The  parts  of  the  body  most  usually  affected  are  those  which  are 
covered  by  the  saddle  or  harness;  but  it  may  affect  any  part,  such  as  the 
head,  neck,  quarters,  thighs,  and  forearms.  It  is  generally  called  mange, 
but  it  differs  from  true  scabies  in  two  essential  particulars,  namely,  it 
is  not  contagious,  and  does  not  depend  upon  the  presence  of  a  parasite. 

Eczema  simplex  is  sometimes  very  troublesome  and  difficult  to  treat. 
In  some  horses  it  occurs  periodically,  or  when  an  alteration  is  made  in 
the  diet. 

Etiology. — In  the  summer,  horses  are  subject  to  it  when  first  put 
on  green  food,  and  almost  invariably  an  animal  which  has  suffered  from 
one  attack  is  liable  to  a  recurrence. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    SKIN.  167 

In  such  instances  eczema  occurs  symptomatically  as  a  consequence  of 
some  constitutional  disturbance.  In  other  cases,  the  disease  is  induced 
by  the  direct  application  of  irritants  heat,  cold,  strong  ointments  of  sul- 
phur, tar,  and  blisters. 

It  may  attack  several  animals  at  the  same  stable,  and  this  may  lead 
one  to  suppose  that  it  is  true  scabies;  but  it  is  not  so,  and  the  reason 
why  several  animals  are  thus  attacked  is  explainable  by  the  fact  that 
they  are  all  partaking  of  the  same  kind  of  food,  and  subjected  to  the 
same  treatment  in  other  ways. 

Lichen,  Rat  Tails, 

is  confined  to  the  legs  of  horses,  and  situated  along  the  course  of  the 
flexor  tendons.  Sometimes  all  four  legs  are  affected,  frequently  one  or 
two;  and  from  the  peculiarity  of  appearance  it  gives  to  the  legs  the  dis- 
ease is  known  as  "  Eat  tails."  This  appearance  is  due  to  an  exudation 
around  the  hair  follicles;  the  hairs  remain  unchanged,  except  from  fric- 
tion, and  emerge  from  an  elevated  papule,  giving  to  the  leg  an  appear- 
ance of  being  covered  by  the  tails  of  rats. 

Eczema  Pustulosum. 

Synonym. — Grease. 

Grrease  is  a  disease  resulting  from  inflammation  of  the  sebaceous 
glands  of  the  skin  in  or  about  the  heels. 

The  sores  resulting  from  the  attack  always  present  a  very  unhealthy 
appearance,  and  give  rise  to  an  offensive  smelling  discharge.  If  neglected, 
they  will  assume  an  ulcerative  character  with  deep  raw  and  excessively 
tender  cracks;  or  the  disease  may  in  neglected  and  aggravated  cases  go 
on  still  further,  until  granulations  called  "  grapes  "  are  formed,  accom- 
panied with  much  general  swelling  of  the  leg.  Neglected  grease  not  in- 
frequently produces  more  or  less  permanent  thickening  of  the  skin,  and 
afterward  a  predisposition  to  a  recurrence  of  the  attack. 

Any  very  sudden  change  from  heat  to  cold,  or  from  cold  to  heat,  is 
very  likely  to  derange  the  function  of  the  skin.  Hence  washing  the 
legs,  especially  with  hot  water  and  allowing  them  to  dry  by  evaporation, 
or  neglecting  to  dry  them  after  strong  exercise,  readily  induce  either 
cracked   heels  or  grease.      "When  flannel  bandages  are   employed  as  a 


168 


VETERINAKY   MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 


means  of  drying  the  legs,  care  should  be  taken  that  they  also  cover  the 
heels. 

The  common  practice  of  clipping  the  hair  off  the  back  part  of  the 
fetlock  and  heels  is  another  frequent  cause.  A  moderate  amount  of  hair 
is  needed  as  a  protection  to  the  skin  against  chill,  cold,  wet,  dirt,  and 
sand,  and  also  against  excessive  evaporation,  especially  in  those  breeds  to 
which  such  long  hair  is  natural. 

The  disease  is  sometimes  associated  with  febrile  disturbance.  In 
some  instances,  swelling  of  the  limb  or  limbs  affected  may  precede  the 
eruption;  whilst  in  others,  the  eruption  precedes  the  swelling.  The 
hind  limbs  are  more  frequently  affected  than  the  fore  ones.  The  dis- 
charge is  sometimes  very  profuse,  and  it  is  said  that  it  is  capable  of  in- 


FiG.  78. 


Fig.  79. 
Different  Stages  of  Grease. 


Fig.  80. 


ducing  an  eruption  in  cows  and  human  beings  similar  to  that  of  vari- 
ola; on  this  account  it  has  been  termed  equine  lymph. 

The  discharge  from  the  pustules  and  vesicles  of  grease  irritates  the 
surface  over  which  it  flows  ;  and  the  skin  of  the  heels — which  in  health 
is  peculiarly  soft  and  pliable — becomes  rigid;  the  natural  sebaceous  se- 
cretion of  its  follicles  is  arrested,  and,  as  a  consequence,  the  movements 
of  the  limb  cause  the  skin  to  crack,  and  to  become  a  mass  of  soreness, 
ulceration,  and  fungus,  accompanied  by  heat,  pain,  and  lameness.  When 
the  disease  is  of  this  type,  it  is  very  apt  to  assume  a  chronic  character. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    SKIN. 


169 


The  febrile  symptoms,  along  with  the  heat,  pain,  and  lameness,  dimin- 
ish; but  the  swelling  still  continues,  and  the  skin  is  constantly  moist 
and  greasy  from  the  discharge,  which  is  thick,  foetid,  and  mats  the  hairs 
together.  Masses  of  fungoid  granulations  now  appear,  springing  from 
the  unhealthy  sores,  consisting  of  hypertrophied  papillse,  covered  over  by 
abnormal  horny  scales  of  epithelium,  loosely  attached  to  their  surfaces. 


I 


Fig.  81. 
Sarcoptes  Hippopodus. 


easily  rubbed  off,  and  exposing  a  highly-vascular  sensitive  surface  be- 
neath, which  bleeds  at  the  slightest  touch.  These  excrescences  are  com- 
monly called  "grapes,"  and  they  belong  to  a  class  of  skin  diseases  de- 
scribed by  dermatologists  as  "acne,"  or  chronic  inflammation  of  the 
sebiparous  glands,  characterized  by  the  eruption  of  hard,  conical,  and 
isolated  elevations,  which  sometimes  suppurate  on  their  summits,  or 
pour  forth  an  inordinate  quantity  of  secretion  ;   whilst  in  other  cases 


170  VETERINARY   MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 

their  action  is  torpid,  the  sebaceous  matter  is  concreted  into  a  solid 
form,  and  distends  the  excretory  duct  and  hair  follicle  even  to  the  ori- 
fice. Professor  Hering  has  found  in  chronic  grease  large  numbers  of 
acari,  called  Sarcopfes  hippojjodiis,  of  which  the  accompanying  woodcut 
(Fig.  81)  is  an  illustration. 

Hering  says  of  it  that  its  body  is  twice  as  long  as  broad,  beset  all 
over  with  hairs  like  satin;  head  retractile ;  proboscis  consisting  of  two 
valves  moving  laterally;  mouth  directed  rather  downward;  close  to  it 
two  smiill  palpi  ;  eight  feet,  five-Jointed,  the  last  joint  as  long  as  the 
four  preceding,  with  a  small  sucking  disc  at  the  end,  and  two  small 
hairs  on  each  Joint.  Two  pairs  of  feet  originate  near  the  head,  and  two 
posteriorly  on  the  belly.  On  the  abdomen  a  small  prominence,  and  four 
long,  straight,  plumose  bristles  ;  their  length  O.IG,  their  breadth  0,08- 
0.085  lines.  Tiie  three  pairs  of  bristles  on  the  back  and  those  at  the 
abdomen  can  be  raised  like  the  tail  of  a  peacock.  The  large  bristles 
are  plumose  ;  the  hairs  on  the  Joints  of  the  feet  diminish  in  length  to- 
ward the  extremity  of  the  foot.  Only  the  third  Joint  of  the  first  -^air  of 
feet  has  a  longer  hair. 

The  presence  of  this  parasite  in  chronic  grease  is  accidental ;  and 
other  diseases,  such  as  canker,  mallenders,  and  sallenders,  are  apt  to  be- 
come complicated  with  a  mange  caused  by  this  parasite.  Gerlach  desig- 
nates this  epizoon  SymUotes  equi,  and  says  that  the  disease  induced  by 
it  may  be  called  foot-mange;  but  it  has  nothing  in  common  with  canker, 
or  other  known  cutaneous  eruption. 

The  swelling  of  the  legs  affected  with  grease,  at  first  consisting  of 
material  capable  of  reabsorption,  becomes  transformed,  in  neglected 
cases,  into  a  low  form  of  fibrous  tissue,  constituting  what  is  termed 
elephantiasis;  in  some  cases  the  affected  limbs  become  enormously  en- 
larged from  this  cause. 

Etiology. — The  exciting  causes  of  grease  are,  improper  food,  espe- 
cially moist,  inferior,  and  cooked  food,  clipping  the  hair  of  the  heols  and 
legs,  filth,  and  neglect. 

Grease  may  also  arise  from  a  cut  or  bruise  of  the  skin  of  the  heel ; 
but  as  a  general  rule  it  is  then  due  to  neglect  of  the  wound  rather  than 
to  the  original  injury.  Occasionally  grease  arises  from  a  plethoric  condi- 
tion combined  with  want  of  i^roper  exercise. 

In  some  instances  the  best  bred  and  best  cared  for  horses  are  liable  to 
grease;  but  in  them  it  scarcely  ever  assumes  a  chronic  character,  but  par- 


DISEASES   OF    THE    SKIN.  171 

takes  more  of  an  erythematons  than  of  an  eczematous  nature.  In  race- 
horses the  process  of  sweating  induces  cracked  heels  ;  the  sweat,  running 
down  the  hollow  of  the  heel,  dries,  and  leaves  the  part  impregnated  with 
its  salts,  which  act  as  irritants  to  the  skin. 

Symptoms. — The  first  sign  of  grease  is  an  unnecessary  stamping  of 
the  hind  foot  and  an  occasional  rubbing  of  one  leg  by  the  other,  caused 
by  an  intolerable  itching,  followed  generally  by  swelling   of  one  or  both 
legs.     Should  the  disease  go  on,  a  thick  discharge  will  be  found  clinging 
in  drops  to  the  hairs  at  the  hollow  of  the  heel,  and  the  hairs  will  stand 
out  so  that  the  skin  will  become  visible.     The  heels  feel  hot  and  greasy. 
The  horse  moves  stiffly,  and  it  gives  him  great  pain  to  lift  his  leg  or  to 
have  it  lifted.     The  swelling  increases  and  the  animal  becomes  more  and 
more  painfully  lame,  and  for  fear  of  flexing  his  heels,  straddles  in  his 
walk  in  a  most  awkward  manner.    The  heels  become  excessively  sensitive. 
If  not  checked  by  proper  means  the  disease  may  run  on  to  the  ulcerative 
stage,  and   finally  excrescences  like  grapes  may  form.     In   this  latter 
stage,  there  is  great  tumidity  of  the  leg  and  thickening  of  the  skin. 
The  leg  often  becomes  twice  or  thrice  its  natural  size,  and  the  hair  falls 
off.    Sometimes  in  neglected  cases  maggots  are  found  in  the  sore. 

Grease  is  often  an  intractable  disease,  but  if  promptly  taken  in  hand 
is  not  always  difficult  to  cure. 

Treatment. — The  parts  affected,  in  simple  cases  of  grease,  will  be 
best  treated  by  the  application  of  a  warm  linseed  meal  poultice  for  two  or 
three  days.  To  correct  the  odor,  if  any  is  present,  add  carbolic  acid,  3  i. 
or  3  ij.,  to  the  pint  of  poultice.  The  poultice  should  be  changed  twice 
a  day.  The  discharge  should  be  cleared  away  with  castile  soap  and  tepid 
water  on  each  occasion,  before  the  poultice  is  renewed.  The  hair  must 
be  trimmed  off  as  closely  as  possible. 

When  the  bowels  are  irregular  and  the  discharges  foetid,  doses  of  two 
ounces  of  hyposulphite  of  sodium  may  be  given  in  the  drinking  water. 

To  bring  up  the  general  condition  of  the  animal,  a  change  of  diet 
should  be  given.  A  bran  mash,  daily,  carrots  and  easily  digested  food, 
no  oats.  An  ounce  of  saltpetre  given  in  the  drinking  water  daily  is  use- 
ful. If  the  animal  is  full  of  habit  and  not  weak,  a  purgative  of  aloes 
will  generally  be  of  service.  As  soon  as  the  physic  has  produced  its  ef- 
fects, Williams  recommends  the  administration  of  arsenic  in  the  following 
form : 


172  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Arsenious  acid 3  i. 

Carbonate  of  potassium 3  i. 

Water §  xij. 

Boil  together  slowly  until  the  arsenic  is  fully  dissolved,  and  strain  when 
cold.  The  dose  for  a  horse  is  from  half  an  ounce  of  this  liquor  two  or 
three  times  a  day  in  his  food  or  water. 

Ointments  should  not  be  applied  to  the  heels,  because  the  dust  and 
dirt  which  they  collect  are  apt  to  irritate  the  sores.  In  the  acute  stage, 
an  application  of  crude  carbolic  acid  will  be  serviceable;  wash  the  parts 
afterward  with  castile  soap  and  tepid  water,  and  then  wrap  them  with 
bandages  drawn  snugly,  but  not  too  tight,  wet  with  a  lotion  of: 

Acetate  of  zinc gr.  xxv. 

Water 1  pint 

and  applied  as  soon  after  being  wet  with  the  solution  of  the  salt  as  possi- 
ble; renew  twice  or  three  times  daily. 

The  solution  of  subacute  of  lead  is  preferred  by  some  in  place  of  the 
zinc. 

If  the  disease  has  been  suffered  to  run  on  to  the  ulcerative  stage,  the 
sores  may  be  washed  with  a  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver,  until  a  healthy 
action  is  established.  If,  however,  grapes  have  formed,  the  excrescences 
will  need  to  be  cut  off.  The  plan  recommended  by  "Williams  is  generally 
considered  the  best,  and  is  as  follows: 

Two  blacksmiths'  fire-shovels  are  the  best  instruments;  one  to  be 
made  sharp  at  its  edge,  and  heated  to  a  red  heat,  to  remove  the  excres- 
cences; the  other  kept  cold,  and  placed  between  the  skin  and  hot  shovel, 
to  prevent  undue  burning.  Many  of  these  excrescences  may  be  thus  re- 
moved in  a  few  minutes;  whereas,  if  they  are  destroyed  by  caustics,  such 
as  the  sulphate  of  zinc,  corrosive  sublimate,  or  the  strong  acids,  the  de- 
struction must  be  effected  by  slow  degrees,  or  deep  and  extensive  slough - 
ings  of  the  skin  and  subcutaneous  tissue  may  occur.  When,  however, 
the  grapes  are  few  in  number,  their  points  may  be  carefully  dressed  with 
the  sulphate  of  zinc  or  corrosive  sublimate,  care  being  taken  that  the 
applications  be  not  too  extensive. 

Chronic  eczema,  when  expressed  by  an  eruption  other  than  that  of 
grease,  requires  a  specialty  of  treatment  applicable  to  itself. 

1st.  The  crusts  and  scabs,  after  being  soaked  with  oil  for  a  few  hours, 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  173 

are  to  be  removed  by  washing;  if  the  hair  is  long  it  must  be  clipped,  and 
this  applies  to  the  greasy  as  well  as  to  the  other  forms  of  eczema.  When 
the  hair  is  removed  and  the  parts  thoroughly  cleaned,  a  sufficiency  of  the 
following  may  be  applied,  not  only  to  the  diseased,  but  to  a  good  deal 
of  healthy  skin;  remembering  that  whatever  the  remedy  be,  much  de- 
pends upon  its  effectual  application: 

Flowers  of  sulphur ^  viij. 

Carbonate  of  potassium §  iv. 

Carbolic  acid ^  i. 

Lard |  xxxij. 

Olive  oil 5  xxxij. 

This  is  to  be  left  on  the  skin  for  two  or  three  days,  and  then  washed 
off  with  soft  soap  and  warm  water.     It  acts  as  a  cutaneous  stimulant. 

The  other  remedies  available  in  chronic  eczema  are  lime  water,  bi- 
chloride of  mercury  in  weak  solution,  tar  ointment,  and  mercurial  oint- 
ment. 

The  following,  which  is  only  a  form  of  the  common  purgative  ball,  is 
highly  recommended  to  be  given  twice  a  week  during  the  continuance  of 
the  disease,  and  even  for  a  time  after  the  necessity  seems  past: 

Powdered  aloes 3  ij. 

Powdered  resin , 3  iij. 

Powdered  nitre 3  iij. 

Powdered  ginger 3  ij. 

Castile  soap 3  ij. 

Work  up  into  one  ball. 


PSORIASIS. 

Synonyms.— Mallenders ;  Sallenders. 

Definition.— When  this  disease  appears  on  the  back  of  the  hock,  it 
is  called  mallenders  (Fig.  83);  when  upon  the  inside  of  the  joint,  sallen- 
ders (Fig.  82).  A  chronic,  non-contagious  inflammation  of  the  skin 
occurring  in  patches  and  covered  by  epithelial  scales.  An  intractable 
disease. 

Etiology. — Psoriasis,  as  it   first   appears,  resembles  an   eczematous 


174 


VETERINARY    MEDICUSTE    AND    SURGEBY. 


eruption,  but  after  a  time  becomes  chronic  and  dry.     Scales  take  the 
place  of  the  discharge.     It  is  considered  by  some  as  hereditary. 

Treatment. — Is  generally  of  little  avail.  To  prevent  the  formation  of 
the  cracks  and  chasms,  the  scales  should  be  dressed  occasionally  with 
some  oily  material;  and  when  they  become  much  thickened  by  accumu- 
lation, they  are  to  be  well  soaked  in  an  alkaline  solution,  carefuLy 


washed  off,  and  the  raw  skin  thus  exposed,  touched  with  tne  nitrate  of 
silver,  then  covered  with  tar,  or,  what  is  much  better,  Kennedy's  Pinus 
canadensis.  An  occasional  application  of  the  mercurial  ointment  is  also 
useful. 

To  be  administered  internally.  Fowler's  solutions  of  arsenic,  in  doses 
of  one  ounce  daily,  is  recommended. 


■"%^  ,'  ii^ 


■? 


s 


EXPLANATION   OF   PLATE  II. 

CURB  AND  SPAVIN.  (Percivall.) 

Fig.  1.  Curb.  In  this  posterior  view  of  the  hind  leg,  from  the  point  of 
the  hock  to  about  one-third  of  the  length  of  the  cannon  downwards, 
is  displayed  a  curb,  in  its  ordinary  chronic  and  permanent  state,  slit 
open  and  dissected  so  as  to  develop  its  anatomy. 
The  subcutaneous  cellular  fascia,  including  the  annular  ligament  {a  a) 
is  dissected  o£E  and  pinned  back,  in  order  to  bring  into  view  the 
sheath  of  the  flexor  tendons  in  the  thickened  and  callous  condition 
(b  h)  in  which  it  is  found  in — which,  indeed,  constitutes  the  essence 
of — chronic  or  prominent  curb.  The  sheath  has  had  a  longitudinal 
division  made  of  it,  and  the  divisions  {b,  h)  separated,  with  the 
view  of  better  showing  the  augmentation  of  substance  it  has  under- 
gone, the  consequence  of  disease  originating  in  sprain.  This  division 
and  separation  has  brought  into  view  also  the  bursal  cavity  through 
which  (the  same  as  in  the  fore  leg)  the  perforans  tendon  {c)  plays, 
in  action.  This  is  the  cavity  which  is  distended  with  fluid  in 
recent,  and  in  some  instance  has  been  found  so  in  chronic,  curb. 

(fZ)  The  posterior  side  of  the  point  of  the  hock. 

(e)  The  lower  (sawn)  end  of  the  metatarsal  bone. 

Fig.  2.  Represents  a  spavin  of  unusually  large  size,  and  more  prominent 
and  better  defined  than  such  tumors  in  general  are. 
a,  The  os  calcis. 
h,  The  large  metatarsal  or  cannon  bone. 

c,  The  small  metatarsal  or  splent  bone. 

d,  The  astragalus. 

e,  g,  The  limits,  superiorly  and  inferiorly,  of  the  spavin  tumor;  whose 
surface  exhibits  a  knobby  irregularity,  and  whose  substance  is  osseo- 
cartilaginous. 

/,  Part  of  the  periosteal  membrane,  in  which  the  tumor  is  encased, 

dissected  off. 
p,  A  piece  of  whalebone  inserted  into  the  joint  between  the  two  flat 

cuneiform  bones. 


EXPLANATION    OF   PLATE  II. — CONTINUED. 

/,  h,  0,  A  line  drawn  from /to  h,  representing  the  basis  of  a  triangle 
whose  apex  is  at  o,  will  include  the  osseo-cartilaginous  deposit, 
spreading  from,  the  spavin  tumor  at  the  side,  upon  the  fore  part  of 
the  cannon  bone,  where  ib  is  partly  covered  by  the  tendon  of  the 
flexor  metatarsi,  which  is  seen  (at  h)  detached  and  turned  down. 

r,  The  inner  division  of  the  bice2}S  tendon  of  the  flexor  metatarsi, 
divided  and  dissected,  in  its  course  to  be  inserted  into  the  head  of 
the  inner  small  metatarsal  bone,  which  is  buried  deep  in  the  sub- 
stance of  the  tumor. 

I,  The  slender  tendon  of  the  flexor  accessor ius,  hanging  down  out  of 
its  sheath. 

m.  The  tendon  of  the  flexor  pedis. 

n,  The  tendon  of  the  flexor  suffraginis. 

Fig.  3.  The  same  spavin,  after  having  been  subjected  to  maceration. 

a,  Os  calcis. 

b,  Large  metatarsal  or  hind  cannon  bone. 

c,  Small  metatarsal  or  hind  splent  bone. 

d,  Astragalus. 

e,  The  superior  eminence  of  the  ossification  constituting  the  veritable 
bone  spavin,  now,  after  maceration,  having  a  rugged  aspect,  and 
standing  out  in  rocky  prominences,  in  consequence  of  having  be- 
come deprived  of  its  nidus  or  bed  of  fibro-cartilage. 

g,  The  inferior  extent  of  ossification,  spreading  down  for  some  distance 
upon  the  cannon  bone. 

f,  f.  The  most  prominent  or  perceptible  parts  of  the  spavin  tumor 
during  life. 

h,  The  large  cuneiform  bone  coated  with  osseous  matter,  of  the  same 
porous  nature  as  the  tumor  itself  is  composed  of,  from  which,  in 
fact,  it  is  an  extension. 

I,  The  middle  cuneiform  bone,  underneath  the  former,  coated  after 
the  same  manner,  and  equally  involved  in  the  bone  spavin  disease. 

m,  n,  The  osseous  deposition,  after  completely  burying  the  inner 
cuneiform  bone,  as  well  as  the  head  of  the  inner  small  metatarsal 
bone,  spreads  in  an  outward  and  downward  direction,  and  covers 
the  major  2^art  of  the  superior-anterior  portion,  or  head  and  neck 
of  the  large  metatarsal  bone;  so  that  there  is,  in  point  of  fact,  nearly 
as  much  bone  spavin  in  front  us  in  the  usual  place  upon  the  side  of 
the  hock  and  cannon. 


OHAPTEE    IX. 


DISEASES   AND   INJURIES   OF   THE   LEGS. 

Spavin,  Bone  Spavin,  Varix,  Bog  Spavin,  Blood  Spavin,  Broken  Knees,  Curb, 
Sprung  Hock,  Capped  Hock,  Capped  Elbow,  Thorough-Pin,  Splint,  Sore  Shins, 
Ring  Bone,  Stiff  Joint,  Anchylosis,  Open  Joint,  Windgalls,  Brushing,  Inter- 
fering, Speedy  Cut,  Shoulder  Slip,  Sprain  of  the  Flexor  Brachii,  Sprain  of 
the  Back  Sinews,  Stifle  Joint  Lameness,  Sprain  of  the  Fetlock  Joint,  Sprain  of 
of  the  Suspensory  Ligament,  Stocking,  Swelled  Legs,  CEdema  of  the  Legs, 
Lymphangitis,  Weed,  Inflammatory  CEdema,  Elephantiasis. 


SPAVIN, 
(see  plate  II.) 

Synonym, — Bone  spavin. 

Definition. — Spavin  is  an  exostosis  in  the  region  of  the  hock.  (See 
Fig.  84.)  It  is  usually  found  to  involve  two  or  more  of  the  weight- 
bearing  bones.  It  generally  appears  on  the  inner  side  of  the  hock,  rarely 
on  the  outer  side.  Bog  spavin,  though  somewhat  similar  in  name,  and 
also  occurring  in  the  hock,  has  no  connection  with  this  disease. 

Spavins,  which  Avhen  fully  formed  do  not  cause  lameness,  should 
never  be  subjected  to  active  treatment.  Treatment  in  such  cases,  in- 
stead of  being  advantageous,  is  very  likely  to  renew  the  inflammation, 
which  may  perhaps  produce  further  growth  of  bone  and  eventually 
lameness. 

A  spavin,  when  once  fully  formed,  cannot  be  removed  by  any  reme- 
dial agents,  though,  in  common  with  all  abnormal  growths,  exostosis 
generally  becomes  less  as  age  advances. 

Etiology. — The  common  causes  are  undue  concussion,   pressure. 


176  VBTEEIKAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

sprain,  the  wearing  of  shoes  witli  too  high  heel  calks,  which  gives  rise 
to  inflammation  in  either  the  cuneiform  bones  of  the  hock,  or  the  tissues 
in  their  immediate  neigliborhood. 

As  a  general  rule,  exostoses  on  the  exterior  of  the  bones  arise  from 
sprains  of  the  ligaments  of  the  hock,  whilst  the  more  common  ones 
between  the  bones  are  produced  by  pressure  and  concussion. 

Percivall  says:  *•' I  am  very  much  disposed  to  believe  in  the  exist- 
ence in  the  system  of  what  I  would  call  an  ossific  diathesis.  I  have  most 
assuredly  seen  unbroke  colts  so  prone  in  their  economy  to  the  production 
of  bone,  that,  without  any  assignable  outward  cause — without  recogniza- 
ble injury  of  any  kind — they  have  at  a  very  early  age  exhibited  ring- 


FiG.  84. 
Bone  Spavin. 


bones,  and  splints,  and  spavins.  There  might  have  been  something 
peculiar  in  the  construction  of  their  limbs  to  account  for  this;  at  the 
same  time  there  appeared  a  more  than  ordinary  propensity  in  their 
vascular  system  to  osseous  effusion.  Growing  young  horses — and  par- 
ticularly such  as  are  what  is  called  '  overgrown ' — may  be  said  to  be 
predisposed  to  spavin,  simply  from  the  circumstance  of  the  weakness 
manifest  in  their  hocks,  as  well  as  other  joints.  When  horses  whose 
frames  have  outgrown  their  strength,  with  their  long  and  tender  limbs, 
come  to  be  broke — to  have  weight  placed  upon  their  backs  at  a  time 
when  the  weight  of  their  own  bodies  is  as  much  as  they  are  able  to  bear 
— then  it  is  that  the  joints  in  an  especial  degree  are  likely  to  suffer,  and 
wind-gall  and  spavin  to  be  the  result.  Indeed,  under  such  circum- 
stances, spavin,  like  splint  and  other  transformations  of  soft  and  elastic 
tissue  into  bone,  may  be  regarded  as  nature's  means  of  fortification 
against  more  serious  failures." 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF   THE    LEGS.  177 

It  is  generally  conceded  that  hereditary  influence  has  much  to  do 
with  the  production  of  spavin. 

Symptoms. — During  the  formation  of  the  exostosis,  some  degree  of 
abnormal  heat  and  tenderness  on  pressure  may  be  detected,  but  usually 
the  disease  first  makes  its  presence  known  by  the  jDrominence  of  the  bony 
growth,  which  destroys  the  symmetry  of  the  hock.  In  well-developed 
cases,  the  lameness  arising  from  sprain  causes  the  toe  to  be  dragged 
along  the  ground  instead  of  being  properly  raised. 

In  slighter  cases,  some  stiffness  of  the  hock  and  an  occasional  trip- 
ping of  the  toe  may  be  noticed;  also  a  sort  of  vibration  in  the  hock, 
when  the  toe  comes  to  the  ground.  These  peculiarities  will  be  most 
observable  if  the  horse  is  trotted  on  hard,  smooth  ground.  The  animal 
should  be  especially  vv^atched  while  turning,  when  a  certain  degree  of 
flinching  will  be  detected.  Exercise  even  for  a  few  minutes  greatly 
diminishes  the  symjotoms;  but  when  the  horse,  after  exercise,  is  allowed 
to  stand  till  cool,  the  stiffness  will  recur,  probably  in  an  increased  degree. 

In  the  stable,  a  horse,  though  only  very  slightly  lame  from  spavin, 
will  often  drop  very  much  as  the  weight  comes  on  the  diseased  leg,  when 
made  to  move  to  one  side  in  the  stall.  In  bad  cases,  in  a  state  of  rest, 
the  animal  usually  keeps  the  leg  flexed. 

If  the  horse  is  worked  during  the  formation  of  a  spavin,  the  inflam- 
mation will  greatly  increase,  and  an  enormous  deposit  of  bone  may  be 
the  result. 

In  the  examination  for  spavin,  it  is  necessary,  in  the  first  place,  to 
compare  the  hocks  with  each  other.  Any  difference  in  size  is  very  sus- 
picious, especially  in  the  adult  horse.  A  hock,  however,  which  may  at 
first  sight  appear  large  on  the  inside,  .may  on  closer  examination  prove 
to  be  exactly  similar  to  the  other;  and,  if  so,  tlie  formation  must  be  re- 
garded as  natural,  and  generally  is  sound.  It  is  true  that  there  may  be 
sjxivins  in  both  hocks;  but  it  is  very  rarely,  if  ever,  found  that  the  two 
abnormal  growths  are  exactly  similar.  In  long,  coarse-coated  horses,  the 
hock  should  be  damped  before  examination,  so  as  to  make  the  hair  lie 
smooth. 

Allowance  must  be  made  in  certain  horses  for  the  shape  and  promi- 
nences of  the  bones  at  the  inner  and  posterior  half  of  the  hock.  In 
sickle-hocked  horses,  for  instance,  there  is  often  an  apparent,  but 
natural,  enlargement  of  the  bones  at  the  inner  and  posterior  part  of  the 

hock,  which  is  often  mistaken  for  spavin.     In  other  horses,  there  maybe 
12 


178 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY 


an  abnormal  prominence  of  particnlar  bones   in  both  hocks  which,  if 
exactly  similar,  must  be  regarded  as  natural. 

The  examiner  should  first  stand  in  front  and  view  the  hock,  as  seen 
by  looking  between  the  fore-legs.  Any  enlargement  on  the  inside, 
especially  on  the  anterior  part,  will  be  well  seen  from  this  point.  Next 
he  should  shift  his  position  a  few  jiaces  to  the  side,  so  as  to  catch  a 
somewhat  side-view  of  the  inner  front  of  the  structure.  In  this  position 
any  enlargement  in  front  will  be  easily  detected.  He  should  next  view 
the  hock  from  behind,  looking  between  the  legs.  Any  enlargement  on 
the  posterior  part  of  the  inner  side  will  then  be  apparent.     Lastly,  he 


Fig.  85. 
Showing  seat  of  boue-spavin,  a  shallow  grove  being  left  in  the  bony  deposit  for  the  passage  of 
the  oblique  tendon  of  the  flexor  metatarsi,  under  which  the  spavin  is  situated. 

should  move  about  a  couple  of  paces  to  the  side,  and  he  will  notice  any 
undue  angularity  about  the  interior  edge  of  the  hock. 

No  enlargement,  however,  although  situated  at  the  precise  location  of 
this  disease,  can  safely  be  said  to  be  spavin,  until  by  manipulation  it  has 
been  ascertained  to  be  bone.  Without  such  manipulation,  other  enlarge- 
ments, such  as  a  distended  vein  or  a  thickening  of  the  integuments  re- 
sulting from  a  blow,  may  be  mistaken  for  spavin. 


DISEASES    AJMD    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS.  179 

In  many  cases,  however,  as  has  been  explained  above,  there  is  little  or 
no  external  enlargement,  and  we  can  only  infer  the  existence  of  a  spavin 
by  the  peculiarity  of  the  lameness  or  by  abnormal  heat  about  the  part. 
In  examining  a  horse  suspected  of  occult  spavin,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  lift 
the  hind  leg  and  forcibly  flex  it  up  to  the  thigh  several  times.  After 
this  the  horse  should  be  trotted  slowly,  when,  if  he  has  a  sjaavin,  he  will 
probably  show  lameness. 

The  action,  the  true  and  perfect  flexion  or  otherwise  of  the  hock,  and 
the  level  carriage  or  otherwise  of  the  hips,  should  be  most  carefully  ob- 
served. The  action  in  many  of  the  worst  cases  of  spavin,  namely  those 
between  the  bones,  often  affords  the  only  indication  of  the  disease. 

Treatment. — If  incipient  spavin  be  suspected,  rest  is  the  great  essen- 
tial. Either  cold  applications  or  fomentations  are  useful  in  reducing  the 
inflammatory  action,  and  application  of  tincture  of  iodine  may  be  made 
with  advantage. 

One  should  not  be  over-alarmed  or  tempted  too  readily  into  the  adop- 
tion of  active  treatment  by  a  horse  going  lame  during  the  formation  of 
a  spavin.  Lameness  usually  occurs  and  it  probably  arises,  not  from  in- 
terference, by  the  exostosis,  with  the  bending  motion,  but  simply  from 
the  pressure  of  the  new  deposit  on  the  inflamed  periosteum  covering  the 
bone.  The  pain,  and  with  it  the  lameness,  usually  abates  as  soon  as  the 
periosteum  has  enlarged  and  accommodated  itself  to  the  exostosis;  and 
generally  disappears  altogether  when,  by  rest  and  other  appropriate 
treatment,  the  inflammation  is  allayed,  and  the  newly  formed  deposit  has 
consolidated  into  bone. 

In  young  horses,  especially,  a  lengthened  period  of  rest  without  any 
very  active  measures  is  always  well  worthy  of  a  trial.  Their  bones  and 
ligaments  are  weak,  and  their  whole  frame  is  often  unequal  to  the  work 
demanded  of  them;  and  in  very  many  cases  nothing  more  than  time  and 
the  gradual  increase  of  strength  resulting  from  age,  good  feeding,  and 
carefully  regulated  exercise  are  needed  to  give  strength  and  stability  to 
the  weaker  structures  of  the  frame.  Yet,  though  rest  is  essential,  some 
slight  exercise,  such  as  that  which  a  horse  will  give  himself  in  a  loose 
box,  is  beneficial,  lest  the  parts  should  become  stiffened  by  disuse,  as  well 
as  from  the  deposit  of  bone. 

If  the  inflammatory  action  does  not  subside  after  a  time  under  the 
above  simple  treatment,  and  the  horse  still  continues  lame,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  have  recourse  to  other  remedial  agents,  such  as  a  blister  of: 


180  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Mercurial  ointment 3  i j. 

Oil  of  cantharides 3  iv. 

Or,  if  preferred,  a  seton  may  be  inserted  under  the  skin,  entering  a  cou- 
ple of  inches  above  the  prominence  and  coming  out  an  inch  or  so  below 
it.     It  should  be  smeared  with  some  blistering  ointment,  as: 

Powdered  cantharides 3  i. 

Lard !  i. 

Firing  is  considered  by  some  the  most  efficacious  remedy;  and,  if  properly 
performed,  will  not  leave  bad  scars — care  being  taken  not  to  extend  the 
lines  to  the  front  of  the  joint. 

As  soon  as  the  process  of  deposition  is  completed,  whether  on  the  one 
hand  by  hastening  its  full  formation,  or  on  the  other  by  checking  and 
limiting  the  action — the  inflammation  and  pain  which  accompanied  the 
formation  of  the  exostosis  will  disappear.  The  horse  will  then  be  lame 
or  sound,  according  to  the  position  and  amount  of  the  new  deposit. 
Commonly  the  lameness  exists  only  during  the  formation  of  the  spavin. 
From  two  to  four  months  may  be  required  in  the  treatment. 

Unnerving  has  been  recommended  for  lameness  arising  from  sjoavin 
with  a  view  to  destroy  sensation.  The  ojDeration,  however,  is  useless,  be- 
cause the  nerve  which  supplies  the  anterior  portion  of  the  hock  is  so 
situated  that  it  cannot  be  reached  and  divided.  It  may  perhajos  be  said 
that  the  nerve  might  be  cut  higher  up;  but  at  that  point  it  is  too  near 
the  muscle  which  works  the  tendon. 

In  the  fore-leg,  where  the  operation  of  unnerving  is  sometimes  applied 
in  navicular  disease,  the  position  of  the  nerve  and  muscle  is  different. 


BOG  SPAVIN. 

Synonym. — Varix. 

Definition. — Bog  spavin  is  a  distention  of  the  capsular  ligament  of 
the  true  hock  joint.  The  only  bones  which  enter  into  the  formation  of 
this  joint  are  the  tibia  and  astragalus.  The  swelling,  which  is  tense,  and 
fluctuating,  shows  itself  primarily  in  front,  because  in  that  part  the  cap- 
sule is  large  and  loose  (Fig,  86).     It  is  accompanied  by  heat  and  pain. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


181 


It  is  always  a  defect  and  may  become  a  serious  blemish.  It  commonly 
occurs  in  weak  hocks,  because  in  them  any  over-exertion  is  likely  to  be 
injurious. 

Treatment. — The  swelling  should  never  be  punctured,    and    the 
treatment  must  be  directed  chiefly  toward  reducing  its  size  and  allaying 


pain. 


A  sweating  bandage,  that  is,  a  wet  bandage  covered  with  oiled  silk. 


or  rubber  cloth,  and  this  again  covered  with  an  ordinary  flannel  bandage, 
often  acts  very  favorably  in  reducing  the  enlargement.  An  India-rubber 
bandage  with  a  hole  in  it,  through  Avhich  the  point  of  the  hock  may  pro- 
ject, is  most  convenient,  and  serves  an  excellent  purpose.  It  is  well  to 
rub  the  swelhng  carefully,  but  firmly  and  thoroughly  for  some  time  before 
applying  the  bandage. 

If  these  measures  fail,  resort  to  the  following  stimulating  ointment, 
together  Avith  rubbing: 

Biniodide  of  mercury §  ss. 

Lard §  viij. 


Possibly  a  blister  or  a  succession  of  blisters  may  be  temporarily  beneficial, 
but,  as  a  general  rule,  no  permanent  benefit  results  from  such  practice. 
If  the  case  is  of  recent  origin,  the  milder  measures  will  probably  remove, 
temporarily  at  least,  the  enlargement;  Avhilst  if  it  is  chronic,  even  severe 
measures  will  fail  to  affect  it.  In  fact,  in  chronic  cases,  the  greater  part 
the  enlargement  generally  consists  of  thickened  integument  and  of  orga- 
nized deposits  in  the  synovial  capsule,  which  cannot  be  removed. 

As  a  general  rule,    it    is    best   not   to   apply   treatment    to    such 


182  VETERINABY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

lesions.  They  seldom  produce  severe  or  permanent  lameness.  When 
they  do,  or  at  least  are  supposed  to  do  so,  the  cause  of  the  lameness  is 
generally  sprain  of  the  ligaments  or  tendons  or  of  their  sheaths,  and  the 
external  enlargement  is  only  a  result.  In  some  cases,  however,  the  en- 
largement becomes  of  so  great  a  size  as  to  be  a  serious  blemish,  or  even 
to  incapacitate  the  horse  for  fast  work. 

Occasionally  in  recent  cases,  arising  from  severe  sprain,  we  find  the 
bursa  or  sheath  evidently  full  of  synovia,  whilst  its  walls  from  distention 
have  become  very  thin.  This  is  especially  apt  to  be  the  case  in  the  hock. 
Such  cases  must  be  treated  as  sprains. 


BLOOD  SPAVIN. 

Deflilition. — Blood  spavin  is  a  distention  of  the  veins  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  hock. 

Etiology. — Pressure  of  the  swelling  in  bog  spavin  impeding  the  flow 
of  the  blood. 

Treatment. — There  is  no  direct  remedy,  but  any  treatment  which 
lessens  the  bog  spavin  will  decrease  the  tendency  to  retardation  in  the  up- 
ward flow  of  the  blood.  No  great  harm  results  from  the  dilatation  of  the 
vein.  The  greater  part  of  the  swelling  is  always  due  to  the  bursal  en- 
largement, not  to  the  vein. 


BROKEN  KNEES. 

Defiaition. — Broken  knees  are  injuries  to  the  knees  which  may  be  a 
simple  scratch  or  cut  or  so  serious  as  to  include  fracture  of  the  bones. 

Etiology. — Always  due  to  violence  of  some  kind,  usually  a  fall;  bad 
shoeing  will  sometimes  create  a  tendency  to  stumble. 

Treatment. — If  the  shin  is  simpty  l)ruised,  the  hair  scraped  off,  and 
a  little  blood  oozing  from  the  surface  of  the  skin,  a  dressing  of  Kennedy's 
Pin  us  canadensis  or  of  white  lotion: 

Sulphate  of  zinc. 

Acetate  of  lead .aa  3  ij. 

Water ,1  pint 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


183 


will  probably  heal  it  up  and  the  hair  will  soon  grow  upon  it  again.  If  a 
horse  has  a  habit  of  stumbling,  there  will  come  a  thickening  on  his  knees 
which  will  be  noticeable  even  although  the  hair  may  cover  them  perfectly. 
If  the  contusion  is  great,  with  but  little  superficial  injury,  it  may  bo  nec- 


FiG.  87.— Back  View  of  Lfte 
Knee  Joint,  seen  oblique- 
ly FROM  Right,  and  show- 
ing THE  DEEP-SEATEL)  LIGA- 
MENTS. 

A.  Inferior  third  of  radius. 
U.  Pisiform  bone. 

C.  External  small  metacarpal 

bone. 

D.  Internal  small  metacarpal 

bone. 

1.  External  lateral  ligament. 

2.  3.    Scapho-metacarpal  lig- 

ament. 

4.  Radio-lunar  ligament. 

5.  Ligament  between  the  pi- 

siform, unciform,  and 
external  small  metacar- 
pal bone. 


Fig.  88.— Back  View  of  Right 
Knee  Joint,  showing  the 
Superficial  Ligamets. 

A.  Inferior  third  of  radius. 

B.  Superior    third    of    large 

metacarpal  bone. 

C.  Internal  small  metacarpal 

bone. 

External  small  metacar- 
pal bone. 

Internal  lateral  ligament. 

External  lateral  ligament. 

Ligament  between  the  ra- 
dius, lunar,  and  pisi- 
form bones. 

Ligament  between  the 
unciform,  pisiform,  and 
between  the  external 
small  metacarpal  bones. 

Strong  band  of  ligament- 
ous fibres,  binding  down 
the  flexor  tendons  in 
their  sheath  or  groove. 

7.  Groove  for  the  passage 
of  the  perforans  and 
perforatus  tendons. 


4.    5. 


6. 


7. 


Fig.  89.— Anterior    View   of 
the  Left  Knee  Joint 

A.  Inferior   third  of  the  ra- 

dius. 

B.  Cuneiform  bone. 

C.  Lunar  hone. 

D.  Scaphoid  bone. 

E.  Unciform  bone. 
G.  The  great  bone. 
H.    Trapezoid  bone. 

K,    Superior  third   of   meta- 
carpus. 

1.  Scapho-radial  ligament. 

2.  External  lateral  ligament. 

3.  3.    Internal   lateral    liga- 

ment. 

4.  4.    Ligaments  existing  be- 

tween    upper     row    of 
carpal  bones. 

5.  5.    Carpo-metacarpal  liga- 

ment. 


essary  to  tie  up  the  animal's  head  so  that  he  cannot  lie  down  for  a  day 
or  two.  Repeated  fomentations  with  the  lotion  above  recommended  will, 
however,  be  sufficient  active  treatment. 


Ig4;  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Whe7i  the  skin  is  cut,  first  thoroughly  wash  the  cut  to  remove  all  dirt 
and  foreign  substances,  clip  away  the  hair  about  it,  and  bringing  the 
edges  together,  fasten  them  by  adhesive  plaster,  or  by  tow  dipped  in 
styptic  collodion,  or  shellac  paste;  never  try  sutures  of  any  kind,  they 
would  surely  pull  out  when  the  limb  was  flexed.  Put  a  light  muslin 
bandao^e  around  the  knee  and  tie  up  the  horse's  head,  so  that  he  cannot 
lie  down  for  a  few  days.  If  the  leg  swells,  remove  the  bandage  and  fo- 
ment with  the  white  lotion,  adding  one  per  cent  of  carbolic  acid  if  any 
suppuration  shows  itself. 

If  there  is  much  laceration,  with  perhaps  a  discharge  of  synovia  from 
the  wound,  the  resulting  inflammation  may  sometimes  be  very  great,  and 
the  swelling  considerable,  extending  as  high  as  the  elbow-joint,  and  as 
low  as  the  foot;  the  whole  limb  being  infiltrated  with  effusion  and  exu- 
dation. The  carpal  joint  becomes  greatly  enlarged  by  a  fibrinous  deposit, 
which  surrounds  it,  and  the  synovial  discharge  very  profuse.  Generally, 
with  proper  treatment,  such  cases  recover,  if  the  tendon  be  not  crushed. 

If  the  tendon  has  teen  crushed,  although  neither  lacerated  nor  divided 
in  any  way,  it  may  slough  in  the  course  of  four  or  five  days,  its  vitality 
having  been  destroyed.  This  sloughing  of  the  tendon  is  attended  with 
severe  symptoms,  and  is  a  source  of  great  danger  to  the  animal's  life. 
The  sympathetic  fever  becomes  very  high;  the  respirations  and  pulse 
quickened;  the  bowels  constipated;  the  urinary  and  other  secretions  ar- 
rested; both  the  wound  and  tendon  assume  a  dusky  livid  or  leaden  hue; 
the  discharge  becomes  foetid,  sanious,  mixed  Avith  blood,  and  the  lame- 
ness excessive.  When  the  slough  is  removed,  the  carpal  articulations  are 
exposed  to  view;  the  bones  are  inflamed,  and  of  a  red  hue.  The  power 
of  extension  is  now  lost  by  the  separation  of  the  tendon  from  its  attach- 
ment, and  the  limb  is  persistently  flexed.  If  an  attempt  be  made  to  ex- 
tend it  forcibly,  great  pain  is  inflicted. 

The  treatment  of  such  cases,  whether  the  division  of  the  tendon  be 
immediate  or  not,  is  a  matter  of  anxiety  to  the  veterinary  surgeon,  and 
except  when  the  patient  is  a  valuable  stud  animal,  it  is  better  to  destroy 
it,  for  even  if  a  cure  is  effected,  the  articulation  will  be  anchylosed;  and 
a  horse  with  an  anchylosed  knee  is  of  little  use. 

In  the  treatment  of  open  bursa,  or  even  when  the  skin  only  is  divided, 
it  is  always  advisable  to  apply  an  immovable  splint  for  the  jnirpose  of 
preventing  motion,  and  to  prevent  a  horse  from  accidentally  striking  the 
wounded  knee  against  the  manger,  to  turn  him  round  in  the  stable,  and 


DISEASES    AND    INJDKIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


185 


supply  him  with  food  by  means  of  a  bag  suspended  from  the  stall-posts; 
the  slings  in  the  graver  lesions  playing  a  most  essential  part. 

In  some  rare  instances  the  wound  in  the  skin  and  tendon  is  situated 
at  the  inferior  part  of  the  knee,  over  the  articulations  of  the  lower  row 
of  cai'pal  bones  and  the  metacarpals.  A  wound  in  this  part,  although 
penetrating  deeply  and  opening  into  the  joint,  is  not  nearly  so  dangerous 
as  one  over  the  articulation  between  the  two  rows:  for  there  is  but  little 
motion,  the  succeeding  inflammation  is  not  nearly  so  great,  nor  the  super- 
vening anchylosis  so  important. 

When  the  accident  has  been  sufficiently  severe  to  fracture  one  or 
more  bones  of  the  knee,  the  animal  should  be  destroyed. 


CUEB. 
(see  plate  II.) 

Definition. — Inflammation  of  the  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament,  accom- 
panied by  a  hard  and  painful  swelling  at  the  back  of  the  hock.  (Fig.  91.) 


FiQ.  90. 
Seat  of  curb  shown  at  A. 


Fig.  91. 
External  appearance  of  curb. 


Etiology. — A  sprain  of  the  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament. 

Symptoms. — In  the  earliest  stages,  curb  shows  itself  as  a  small  hard 


186 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


lump  upon  the  lower  part  of  the  back  of  the  hock,  Avliich  may  easily 
be  mistaken  for  bone.  (Fig.  91.)  As  the  disease  progresses,  this  nodule 
increases  in  size,  and  lameness  appears,  sometimes,  and  particularly  in 
young  horses,  of  a  severe  character. 

Treatment. — Rest.     Apply  a  high-heeled  shoe,  and  to  stimulate  ab- 


FiG.  93.  Fig.  93. 

Bones  of  the  hock  joint.  The  hock  and  its  lesions. 

1.  Astragalus.  A.  Seat  of  thorough-pin. 

2.  Cuneiform  magnum.  B.  Capped  hock. 

3.  Cuneiform  medium.  C.  Curb. 

4.  Cuneiform  parvum. 

5.  Cuboid. 

6.  Os  calcis. 

7.  Tibia. 

8.  Great  metatarsal,  or  cannon  or  shank 

bone. 

9.  Inner  small  metatarsal. 

sorption  of  the  excrescence,  apply  repeatedly  a  blister  of  biniodide  of 
mercury: 

Biniodide  of  mercury 31. 

Lard 5  viij. 

Firing  may  be  tried  if  the  lameness  is  persistent  and  the  inflammation 
has  subsided. 


DISEASES    AND   INJURIES    OF   THE   LEGS.  187 


SPRING  HOCK. 

Definition. — An  inflamed  condition  of  the  ligaments  of  the  hock 
bones. 

Etiology. — A  violent  strain  generally  affecting  all  the  ligaments. 

Symptoms. — Sudden  and  great  swelling  both  above  and  below  the 
hock,  though  not  so  much  on  the  hock  itself.  This  is  accompanied  by 
heat  and  extreme  lameness. 

Treatment. — Put  the  animal  in  slings  at  once,  as  it  will  not  volun- 
tarily lie  down.     A  dose  of  physic: 

Aloes  3  vi. 

Gentian  3  ij. 

Foment  the  swelling  several  times  daily  with  hot  water  in  which  a 
little  laudanum  has  been  mixed,  to  relieve  pain  and  to  reduce  the  swell- 
ing: 

Laudanum §  ij. 

Water 1  quart. 

After  the  inflammation  has  subsided,  the  biniodide  of  mercury  oint- 
ment may  be  smeared  on  the  hock: 

Biniodide  of  mercury 1  i. 

Lard §  viij. 


CAPPED  HOCK. 

Definition. — Synovial  capjjcd  hooh  is  a  firm,  fluctuating  swelling  on 
both  sides  of  the  point  of  the  hock,  causing  lameness  and  sometimes  de- 
cay of  the  top  of  the  os  calcis. 

Serous  ccvp'ped  liooh  is  a  serous  abscess  in  the  areolar  tissue  between 
the  gastrocnemius  internus  tendon  and  the  skin  (Figs.  93  and  94),  and 
is  generally  caused  by  striking  the  point  of  the  hock  against  some  hard 
object,  as  in  kicking. 

Treatment. — Apply  cooling  lotions,  as: 


188  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Chloride  of  ammonium  in  powder, 

Nitrate  of  potassium  in  powder aa  §  iiss. 

Water 1  pint. 

As  soon  as  dissolved,  dip  cloths  iu  the  solution  and  apply  to  the  in- 
flamed part. 

Applications  of  hot  water  are  sometimes  sufficient  to  reduce  the 
swelling. 


Fig.  94. 

Capped  hock. 

Serous  capped  hock  may  be  treated  after  reduction  of  the  inflam- 
mation by  blistering  with  biniodide  of  mercury,  orbypyropuncture,  which 
is  best  performed  with  Professor  Williams'  instrument,  Fig.  22;  heat  it  to 
redness  only,  and  force  the  points  through  the  skin  and  into  the  bursa, 
but  not  to  the  bone. 

Synovial  capped  hock  may  have  a  seton  run  through  it,  and  kept  in 
not  longer  than  two  weeks. 

The  cyst  sometimes  becomes  consolidated,  either  from  the  treatment 
employed  for  its  removal,  or  from  some  other  cause.  The  repeated  ap- 
plication of  iodine,  or  its  combination  with  mercury,  will  often  reduce  it 
very  considerably. 

Iodine gr.  v. 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  i. 

Water §  vi. 

In  some  cases  a  strong  application,  such  as  one  drachm  of  the  biniodide  of 
mercury  to  the  ounce  of  lard,  will  answer;  in  others  a  frequent  applica- 
tion of  a  milder  preparation  will  do  best.  The  following  is  recom- 
mended: 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF   THE    LEGS.  189 

Biniodide  of  mercury 3  i. 

Water 3  xij. 

Iodide  of  potassium,  suflficient  to  dissolve  the  biniodide. 

This  is  to  be  applied  once  or  twice  a  day  until  slight  soreness  is  pro- 
duced, and  reapplied  when  the  soreness  disappears.  If  possible,  the 
horse  should  be  turned  out  to  grass,  or  kept  in  a  thickly  bedded  box  dur- 
ing treatment. 


CAPPED  ELBOW. 

Definition. — Is  a  serous  abscess  or  soft  tumor,  formed  by  an  effusion 
of  serum  into  the  areola  of  the  connective  tissue  of  the  elbow. 

Etiology. — These  unsightly  tumors  are  caused  by  the  horse  lying 
upon  the  heels  of  his  shoes  which  will  usually  be  found  to  be  longer 
than  they  should  be. 


Fig.  95. 
'Capped  elbow. 


Symptoms. — The  only  sign  of  this  deformity  is  that  afforded  by  the 
swelling  of  the  tumor  itself,     (Fig.  95 .) 

Treatment. — First  see  to  it  that  the  shoes  are  properly  made,  and 
then  tie  up  the  foot  which  causes  the  trouble,  every  night  in  old  cloths. 

The  best  mode  of  removing  the  tumor  is  by  puncture;  the  cavity  after- 
wards should  be  injected  with  a  solution  of: 


190  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 

Sulphate  of  zinc gr.  x. 

Water ^i. 

or  of: 

Tincture  of  iodine gr.  v. 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  i. 

Water 1  vi. 


and  the  orifice  of  puncture  kept  open  until  the  cavity  of  the  cyst  has  be- 
come obliterated.  Another  plan  is  to  excite  the  suppurative  action  in  it 
after  it  has  been  punctured,  by  injecting  a  stimulating  mixture: 

Solution  of  acetate  of  ammonium §  i. 

Olive  oil §  ij. 

or  by  inserting  a  seton  through  its  centre.  It  is  useless  to  puncture  and 
allow  the  wound  to  close  immediately,  for  the  walls  of  the  sac  have  ac- 
quired secreting  properties,  and  continue  to  pour  out  the  serosity,  which 
will  speedily  fill  the  cavity  of  the  cyst.  It  is  therefore  necessary  to  keep 
the  puncture  open  until  the  walls  of  the  sac  have  become  adherent  to 
each  other,  and  its  cavity  destroyed. 

"When  the  cyst  has  become  consolidated  by  the  causes  already  given,  it 
will  often  be  found  that  a  little  suppuration  occurs  in  the  centre  of  the 
tumor;  but  it  is  never  very  extensive,  and  the  suppurated  spot  is  sur- 
rounded by  a  thick  wall  of  condensed  fibrous  tissue  of  a  grayish  appear- 
ance. 

There  are  two  ways  of  removing  the  tumor  when  in  this  condition — 
by  excision,  and  by  sloughing  it  with  caustics;  the  latter  being  consid- 
ered the  best,  provided  it  is  carefully  done.  Puncture  the  tumor  in  two 
or  three  places,  and  insert  into  each  puncture  a  very  small  quantity  of 
finely  powdered  corrosive  sublimate  and  arsenic,  in  equal  parts,  rolled  up 
in  a  small  piece  of  tissue  paper.  The  effect  of  this  is  twofold: — (Is^.) 
It  destroys  the  vitality  of  the  tissue  which  it  touches;  and  {2d.)  Excites 
absorption  throughout  the  whole  extent  of  the  tumor.  The  absorption 
first  excited  in  the  living  structures  in  immediate  contact  with  those  de- 
stroyed by  the  agent,  whereby  a  line  of  demarcation  is  formed  between 
the  living  and  dead  tissue,  becomes  general  throughout  the  tumor,  and 
in  a  few  days  it  will  be  seen  that  it  has  diminished  in  volume  in  every 
direction.     After  the  sloughs  caused  by  the  caustics  have  been  removed. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


191 


tlie  parts  should  be  kept  clean  for  a  few  days,  at  the  end  of  which  it  may 
be  necessary  to  reapply  the  caustic. 

If  excision  with  the  knife  be  preferred,  the  oj)erator  must  make  his 
incision  in  the  perpendicular  direction  only,  as  a  crucial  incision  leaves  an 
ugly  blemish.  Two  incisions  parallel  to  each  other  may  be  required  in 
very  large  tumors,  and  about  an  inch  apart,  in  order  to  remove  a  portion 
of  the  skin  which,  if  left,  would  be  an  ugly  blemish. 


THOROUGH-PINS. 

Definition. — Thorough-pin  is  the  name  given  to  a  bursal  enlargement 
which  occurs  at  the  upper  and  back  part  of  the  hock  beneath  the  great 
extensor  pedis  tendon.  The  swelling  appears  sometimes  on  one  side  only, 
but  more  frequently  on  both  sides.    (Fig.  96.)     (See  also  Fig.  93.) 


Fig.  96. 
Thoroiigh-pin. 


Etiology. — Overwork,  sprain,  faulty  conformation,  or  chronic  inflam- 
mation of  the  joints  may  be  set  down  as  a  usual  cause;  yet  they  sometimes 
occur  without  any  such  violent  exciting  causes,  and  can  then  only  be 
attributed  to  either  a  special  irritability  of  the  synovial  membrane,  on 
account  of  which  it  is  excited  to  increased  action  on  very  slight  provocation, 
or  to  weakness  of  the  coats  of  the  blood-vessels  of  the  membrane,  through 
which  an  undue  effusion  takes  place. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  joints,  which  is  often  found  as  a  result 
of  pneumonia,  influenza,  and  sometimes  of  general  debility,  is  another 
common  cause. 


192  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  thorough-pin,  namely,  those  arising  from 
irritation  in  the  true  hock  joint,  and  those  which  are  caused  by  irritation 
or  sprains  of  the  flexor  pedis  tendon. 

Thorough-pin  arising  from  iritation  of  the  true  hock  joint  is  in  fact 
only  a  further  development  of  bog  spavin.  The  increased  secretion  of 
synovia,  for  reasons  already  given,  shows  itself  primarily  in  distention  of 
the  lower  part  of  the  bursa.  When  this  portion  is  full,  any  further 
increase  shows  itself  in  the  upper  part.  The  swelling  appears  equally  on 
both  sides,  and  the  fluid  may  by  moderate  pressure  be  forced  from  one  side 
to  the  other.  Hence  is  derived  the  name  thorough-pin  or  running 
''  through  "  from  side  to  side. 

The  other  and  more  common  description  of  thorough-pin  is  not  con- 
nected with  the  true  hock  joint;  but  arises  from  irritation  of  the  per- 
forans  muscle  of  the  tendon  flexor  pedis. 

This  tendon  is  tightly  bound  down  at  its  upper  part  by  the  ligaments 
at  the  back  of  the  tibia  and  again  below  as  soon  as  it  reaches  the  inside 
of  the  hock.  Hence  any  increased  secretion  of  synovia  can  only  lodge  in 
the  intervening  space,  i.  e.,  in  the  hollow  of  the  hock,  either  on  one  or 
both  sides. 

If  the  seat  of  the  injury  be  high  up  (and  it  generally  does  occur,  as 
we  might  expect,  near  the  bend)  we  find  the  enlargement  on  both  sides; 
but  that  on  the  outside  is  generally  larger  than  that  on  the  inside.  If 
on  the  other  hand  the  seat  of  the  injury  is  lower  down,  the  swelling  may, 
on  account  of  the  position  of  the  part  of  the  tendon  injured,  appear  only 
on  the  inside;  but  it  more  often  appears  on  both  sides  or  on  the  outer 
side  only. 

Thorough-pins  arising  from  irritation  of  the  flexor  pedis  tendon  are 
at  once  distinguished  from  those  described  in  the  preceding  paragraph, 
because  there  is  no  lower  enlargement  or  bog  spavin.  It  is,  however, 
very  joossible  that  both  kinds  of  thorough-pin  and  bog  spavin  may  be 
present  in  the  same  hock. 

Bog  spavins  and  thorough-pins  vary  very  much  in  size  according  to 
the  nature  and  degree  of  the  particular  case.  They  may  be  so  small  as 
to  be  scarcely  perceptible,  or  they  may  be  of  enormous  size. 

Treatment. — The  most  active  method  is  to  puncture  the  sac  at  the 
lowest  part  and  allow  the  fluid  to  run  off;  keep  the  puncture  open  several 
days  and  inject  it  with  a  mild  solution  of  sulphate  of  zin^: 


DISEASES   AKD   INJURIES   OF   THE   LEGS,  193 

Sulphate  of  zinc 1  ss. 

Water 1  pint 


Apply  a  truss.  Fig.  97,  so  constructed  as  to  press  firmly  on  both  sides  of  the 
hock,  so  that  the  sides  of  the  sac  may  be  brought  together  and  united. 


Fig.  97. 
Truss  for  treatment  of  thorough-pin. 


If  during  the  treatment  the  parts  become  hot  and  tender,  discontinue  the 
treatment  and  apply  cold  until  the  inflammation  subsides. 


SPLINT. 


Definition. — Splint  is  an  exostosis  or  deposit  of  bone  either  between 
one  or  other  of  the  small  bones  and  the  shank,  or  upon  any  of  the  three 
bones  of  the  fore-legs. 

As  the  greatest  strain  and  concussion  always  fall  on  the  inside  on  ac- 
count of  its  being  more  under  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  superincumbent 
13 


194 


VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGEKY. 


weight,  the  exostosis  generally  develojDS  on  or  towards  the  inner  side, 
and  usually  a  little  above  the  centre  of  the  bone  between  the  knee  and 
the  fetlock. 

Percivall  describes  five  classes  of  splints : 

1st.  Simple. 


■^-^ 


Fig.  98. 

Ordinary  form  of  splint  on  the  inner  side 
of  the  fore-leg.     a,  Intermetacarpal  groove, 
smooth  and  healthy.     6,  b,  Osseous  deposit, 
c.  Irregular  bony  growths. 
A  comparison  of  Figs.  98  and  99  with  Figs.  100  and  101  will  show  the  changes  in  the  bone  in  splint. 


Compound  splint.  a,  Intermetacarpal 
groove,  healthy.  6,  h,  Osseous  deposits, 
c,  c,  c,  Irregular  bony  growths. 


2d.  Double  or  pegged  sj)lints;  that  is,  those  which  are  found  upon 
both  aspects  of  the  limb,  with  an  osseous  communicating  bar  running 
from  one  to  the  other. 

3d.  Those  close  to  the  knee. 

4th.  Consisting  of  two  or  more  exostoses  upon  one  side  of  the  leg,  one 
above  the  other,  with  perhaps  an  osseous  communication. 

5th.  Little  bony  excrescences,  involving  the  knee-joint,  namely,  the 
head  of  the  metacarpus  minor  internus,  and  trapezoid,  or  metacarpus 
minor  externus,  and  unciform. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


195 


A  simple  splint,  when  not  causing  lameness,  and  in  a  position  removed 
from  either  articulation  or  tendon,  is  said  by  Williams  not  to  be  looked 
upon  as  an  unsoundness,  but  all  the  other  forms  must  be  classified  as 
causes  of  unsoundness,  as  they  are  at  any  time  liable  to  cause  lameness 
and  are  indicative  of  more  disease  than  is  apparent  either  to  the  eye  or 


FiQ.  100. 

Inner  side  view  of  the  bones  of  the 
fore-leg  in  healthy  condition. 

1.  Great  metacarpal,  or  cannon  bone. 

2.  Inner  small  metacarpal  or  splint 
bone. 

3.  Outer  small  metacarpal. 

4.  Sesamoid  bones. 

5.  Os  suffraginis,  or  pastern  bone. 


Fig.  101. 

1.  Great  metacarpal  bone. 

2.  Outer  small  metacarpal  bone. 

3.  Inner  small  metacarpal. 

4.  Sesamoid  bones. 


touch  of  the  examiner;  disease  involving  articulating  surfaces,  ligamentous 
structures,  or  interfering  with  the  movement  of  a  tendon. 

Splints  fully  consolidated  to  do  not,  as  a  rule,  cause  lameness,  nor  do 
they  affect  the  gait  in  an  ajipreciable  degree. 

Etiology. — Although  the  immediate  causes  of  splint  are  irritation 


196  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

and  inflammation  in  the  parts  affected,  yet  the  occurrence  of  these  causes 
in  any  particular  horse  and  at  any  particular  time  is  mainly  dependent  on 
the  conformation  of  the  leg,  on  the  work  to  which  the  animal  is  sub- 
I  jected,  on  the  weight  he  has  to  carry,  and  on  his  age. 

Highbred  horses  and  those  which  are  considered  roadsters  ?re  most 
liable  to  splint.  Heavy  animals  and  those  which  are  not  called  upon  for 
fast  work  are  not  commonly  troubled  with  them. 

But  no  cause  of  splint  is  perhaps  more  common  than  the  ordinary 
practice  of  subjecting  young  horses  to  work  for  which  their  young  bones, 
ligaments,  and  tendons  are  unequal. 

Horses  at  an  early  age  may  no  doubt  do  a  certain  amount  of  work, 
and  perhaps  may  be  none  the  worse  for  it;  but  the  work  demanded  of 
them  is  often  in  excess  of  the  age  and  capability  of  the  animal.  It  is 
mainly  from  this  cause  that  so  many  horses  whose  make  and  shape  are 
unexceptionable  are  affected  with  splints. 

The  exostosis  arising  from  these  and  such  like  causes  usually  appears 
about  midway  between  the  knee  and  the  fetlock,  because  the  middle  is 
the  weakest  part  in  long  bones. 

•  Although  some  defect  in  conformation,  or  some  excess  of  work  re- 
latively to  age  and  structure  are  the  ordinary  causes  of  splint,  yet  in  some 
cases  the  growth  can  be  traced  to  no  other  causes  than  an  hereditary 
predisposition.  In  such  animals  we  generally  find  spavins  and  other 
exostoses  concurrently  with  splint. 

Symptoms. — Large  splints  are  easily  enough  both  seen  and  felt,  but 
the  detection  of  an  incipient  or  very  small  splint  is  often  a  difficult  mat- 
ter. 

The  signs  of  splint  are  lameness  accompanied  with  pain  on  the  ap- 
plication of  pressure  to  the  seat  of  the  disease,  also  heat  and  throbbing  of 
the  arteries  of  the  part,  and  a  marked  increase  in  the  lameness  at  the  trot 
over  that  exhibited  at  a  walk.  The  lameness  j^roduced  by  an  incipient 
splint  is  often  excessive.  In  many  cases,  however,  the  animal  goes  sound 
at  a  walk,  though  very  lame  at  a  trot.  In  cases  of  doubt,  the  horse  should 
be  trotted  down  hill  on  hard  ground,  Avhen  the  increased  concussion  will 
cause  him  to  favor  the  lame  leg. 

The  lameness  arising  from  splint  is  further  distinguished  by  a  very 
marked  dropping  of  the  head  when  the  sound  leg  comes  to  the  ground, 
and  a  corresponding  jerking  up  of  the  head  when  the  lame  leg  is  brought 
down. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS.  197 

In  feeling  for  splint,  the  opposite  leg  should  be  held  np  in  order  to 
compel  the  animal  to  brace  up  the  tendons  of  the  affected  leg,  when  any 
inequality  about  the  bones  will  be  more  easily  felt;  and  secondly,  the  lame 
leo-  should  be  raised  in  such  a  manner  as  to  bring  the  knee  of  the  horse 
under  the  arm  of  the  examiner:  in  this  position  the  tendons  are  fully 
relaxed,  and  the  bones  can  be  felt  to  advantage. 

In  either  of  these  positions  the  leg  is  favorably  placed  for  examination, 
and  if  the  fingers  are  then  applied  along  the  leg  and  into  the  channel 
between  the  inner  small  and  great  bone,  the  incipient  splint  will  probably 
be  detected  by  the  inequality,  if  any  such  yet  exist;  or  by  the  pain  evinced 
on  the  application  of  pressure  to  the  inflamed  part. 

In  some  cases,  however,  the  incipient  splint  is  so  small,  and  possibly 
the  seat  of  the  inflammatory  action  may  at  first  be  so  completely  in  the 
inter-osseous  ligaments  between  the  bones  that  nothing  can  be  felt;  and 
the  only  indication  leading  to  a  suspicion  that  a  splint  is  forming  consists 
in  the  horse  going  very  lame  at  a  trot,  whilst  sound  at  a  walk.  A  little 
extra  heat  may  perhaps  be  felt  on  careful  examination.  The  development 
of  a  splint  may  in  such  cases  be  expected  and  must  be  carefully  watched 
for.  The  lameness  and  heat,  if  the  horse  is  rested  for  a  few  days,  will 
sometimes  disappear;  but  will  I'eappear  if  the  animal  is  again  worked. 

Williams'  statement  of  the  peculiarities  of  splint  lameness  is  as  fol- 
lows. 

' '  The  lameness  may  precede  the  appearance  of  any  swelling  or  deposit, 
and  in  such  a  case  it  is  apt  to  be  confounded  with  that  arising  from  other 
diseases.  But  if  the  following  observations  are  kept  in  remembrance,  no 
mistake  need  be  made: 

"  1st.  The  age  of  the  animal.  The  young  horse  is  most  liable  to  splint 
lameness,  the  older  horse  to  navicular  disease. 

"  2d.  The  peculiarity  of  action.  A  horse  lame  from  splint  will  walk 
apparently  or  nearly  sound,  but  will  trot  very  lame,  the  drop  of  the  head 
and  body  upon  the  sound  side  being  very  great,  and  out  of  all  proportion 
to  the  apparent  soundness  of  the  walk. 

"  3d.  A  want  of  flexion  may  be  observed  at  the  knee. 

''  4th.  When  the  patient  first  comes  out,  and  is  made  to  trot,  he  may 
go  moderately  sound,  but  after  a  time  the  lameness  increases,  the  con- 
cussion being  a  cause  of  pain.  In  navicular  disease  the  lameness  gener- 
ally decreases  with  exercise. 

*'  5th.  Pressure  upon  the  part  of  the  leg  where  splint  is  likely  to  be 


198  VETERIXARY    MEDIOHSTE    AND    SURGERY. 

will  cause  pain;  some  heat  is  present,  and,  hj  a  carcfnl  manipulation,  a 
hard  swelling,  perhaps  smaller  than  a  pea,  may  be  felt.  In  some  cases  the 
exostoses  soon  develop  themselves,  and  then  there  can  be  no  further  dif- 
ficulty; but  in  others,  this  does  not  occur  for  several  weeks,  and  these  are 
most  unsatisfactory  to  the  surgeon.  In  some  rare  cases  the  lameness  is 
very  excessive,  the  horse  being  scarcely  able  to  put  any  weight  upon  the 
affected  limb;  standing  with  the  toe  only  touching  the  ground,  with 
great  heat  and  swelling  of  the  part  affected,  at  the  same  time  suffering 
from  constitutional  disturbance  to  a  considerable  degree." 

Treatment. — If  the  splint  does  not  cause  lameness,  it  should  be  left 
alone. 

The  nature  and  cause  of  splint  very  clearly  indicate  the  treatment  re- 
quired— namely,  rest.  This  powerful  sedative  may  be  assisted  by  the  ap- 
plication of  a  bandage  wet  in  cold  water,  around  the  part  affected. 

In  most  cases  these  remedies  will  be  sufficient.  If,  however,  after  an 
interval  of  a  month's  or  six  weeks'  rest,  the  horse  continues  lame,  and  the 
seat  of  the  splint  under  manipulation  is  very  sensitive,  it  may  be  advis- 
able to  apply  a  blister: 

Cantharides  in  powder |  ss. 

Lard , .  ^  iij. 

or  the  biniodide  of  mercury  ointment: 

Biniodide  of  mercury §  i. 

Lard |  vi. 

or  a  seton. 

If  the  cantharides  are  mixed  with  the  lard  hot,  one-half  this  amount 
will  suffice  in  the  same  quantity  of  lard. 

In  some  cases,  if  a  splint  is  treated  by  rest  in  the  very  early  stage,  the 
lameness  rapidly  disappears;  but  the  lameness  recurs  as  soon  as  the  horse 
is  put  to  work.  If  this  occurs  several  times,  the  better  plan  is  to  give 
the  animal  exercise  enough  to  moderately  dcveloj)  the  splint. 

Williams  strongly  recommends  "subcutaneous  periostiomy  "  or  cut- 
ting with  a  knife  into  the  new  bony  formation,  or  in  obstinate  cases  the 
use  of  the  actual  cautery;  such  measures,  however,  are  not  often  neces- 
sary. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


199 


A  splint,  when  once  fully  formed  into  oone,  cannot  be  removed;  but 
Nature  in  the  course  of  time  often  absorbs  a  portion  of  the  abnormal 
growth,  and  hence  it  is  not  uncommon  to  find  the  legs  of  old  horses  free 
or  nearly  free  from  external  exostosis. 


SORE-SHINS 

Is  primarily  inflammation  of  the  periosteum  of  the  anterior  portion  of 
the  metacarpal  bones  from  the  knee  to  the  fetlock,  particularly  of  young 
horses,  too  early  put  to  work. 

In  consequence  of  the  inflammation  of  the  periosteum,  ossific  matter 
is  secreted,  which  forms  in  small  nodules  or  in  some  instances  in  thin 
layers  on  the  surface  of  the  bones.     (Fig.  102.) 


Etiology. — It  arises  from  the  concussion  upon  the  soft  and  undevel- 
oped bones  of  the  fore-legs,  produced  by  hard  galloping.  Usually  the 
leg  which  leads  is  the  first  affected. 


200  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Symptoms. — Lameness;  the  horse  goes  more  or  less  short  in  his  gal- 
lop; swelling  above  or  in  front  of  the  fetlock,  elastic  and  protruding  at 
first,  but  finally  becoming  hard,  shifting  from  one  part  to  the  other  if 
both  are  affected.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  attack  the  horse  may  have 
fever,  the  inflammation  be  acute,  and  the  animal  very  lame. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  in  the  early  stage  consists  in  rest,  aided 
by  warm  applications  containing  opium,  as: 

Laudanum. |  ss. 

Water 1  pint. 

A  dose  of  physic: 

Aloes 3  V. 

Ginger 3  ij. 

Molasses enough  to  form  a  ball 

and  a  long  rest  with  low  diet  and  quiet  will  often  complete  a  cure. 


RING  BONES. 

Definition. — Are  bony  deposits  upon  the  pastern  bones,  forming  a 
more  or  less  complete  ring  around  the  bone.  (Fig.  104.)  False  ring  bone 
is  simply  an  exostosis  on  the  middle  or  upper  part  of  the  long  pastern 
bone  (Fig.  103),  which  may,  if  very  large,  cause  temporary  lameness 
while  forming,  but  cannot  be  considered  an  unsoundness. 

True  ring  bone  is  quite  a  serious  matter,  and  the  degree  of  lameness 
does  not  always  depend  upon  the  size  of  the  deposit.  Sometimes  but 
little  evidence  of  its  formation  may  appear  upon  the  front  of  the  bone, 
and  the  continuity  of  the  ring  may  be  defective.  When  chiefly  upon  the 
sides  of  the  bone,  the  lameness  is  usually  less  than  when  upon  the  front, 
and  precedes  or  accompanies  the  formation  of  the  bony  deposit,  disap- 
pearing when  anchylosis  is  complete.  "When  the  deposit  is  just  above 
the  coronet,  it  is  called  low  ring  bone.  Fig.  105;  when  nearer  the  middle 
of  the  pastern,  high  ring  bone,  Fig.  104. 

Etiology. — Ring  bones  are  the  result  of  inflammation  originating  in 
the  extremities  of  the  bones  or  synovial  membranes  of  the  articulations 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


201 


■which  they  involve;  due  to  hereditary  predisposition,  rheumatism,  or  ac- 
cidental injury.     Long  pasterns  are  most  subject  to  ring  bones. 

Symptoms. — The  gait  of  a  horse  lame  from  this  cause  is  character- 
istic. If  in  the  fore  extremity,  except  the  deposit  be  on  the  posterior 
aspect,  the  patient  puts  his  heel  to  the  ground  first;  but  when  in  the 
hind  pastern,  the  toe  touches  the  ground  first  always  when  it  is  situated 
in  the  upper  position,  except  it  be  in  front;  when  in  the  lower  position, 
the  heel  comes  down  first.  From  this  peculiarity  in  putting  the  foot  to 
the  ground,  it  is  apt  to  be  confounded  with  laminitis,  seedy-toe,  and  in- 


FlG.  103. 
False  ring  bone  shown  at 
a,  a. 


Fig.  104. 
High  ring  bone. 


•'■^''^ 


Fig.  105. 
Incipient  ring  bone  begin- 
ning at  tlie  lower  extrem- 
ity of  the  OS  suff  raginis. 


flammation  of  the  coronary  band.  It  differs  from  laminitis  by  the  ab- 
sence of  pain  at  the  toe,  freedom  from  fever,  etc.,  and  by  the  heat  being 
confined  to  the  upper  part  of  the  foot  only. 

An  examination  of  the  foot  will  determine  Avhether  there  be  a  seedy- 
toe  or  a  sand-crank  in  its  front;  and  the  absence  of  the  striated  appear- 
ance of  the  wall  of  the  foot  will  distinguish  it  from  inflammation  of  the 
coronary  substance. 


202  VETERINAKY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Treatment. — If  the  horse  put  his  fore-legs  down  heel  first,  put  on  a 
shoe  worked  very  thin  behind,  such  as  described  by  Broad  as  follows  : 
"  Extremely  stout,  wide-webbed,  and  long  bar-shoes,  make  from  iron 
about  twice  the  ordinary  thickness  of  those  of  the  particular  animal 
under  treatment;  make  them  gradually  thin  from  behind  the  quarters, 
so  that  the  heel  part  of  the  shoes  may  be  as  wide  and  thin  as  possible,  and 
fitted  rocker  fashion  to  allow  the  weight  of  the  horse  to  be  on  that  part; 
put  them  on  with  leather  soles,  using  only  suflQcient  nails  to  insure  their 
staying  on  for  two  or  three  days."  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  horse  walks 
on  his  toe,  shoe  with  a  high-heeled  shoe. 

Fomentations  of  hot  water  with  laudanum,  an  ounce  to  a  quart,  will 
allay  the  pain.  Afterward  apply  blisters  to  hasten  the  ossific  process. 
The  fly  blister  may  be  used,  or  biniodide  of  mercury,  as  preferred: 

Powdered  cantharides    §  ss. 

Lard §  iij. 


Or, 


Biniodide  of  mercury ^  i. 

Lard Ivi. 


ANCHYLOSIS. 

Synonym.— Stiff  joint. 

Definition. — Anchylosis  or  stiff  joint  is  a  result  of  previous  disease, 
rather  than  a  disease  itself.  It  is  occasional  by  the  presence  of  deposits 
which  have  resulted  from  previous  inflammation  in  the  structure  of,  or 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  joint.  It  consists  in  more  or  less  complete 
consolidation  of  the  parts  within  or  around  the  articulation. 

Anchylosis  may  arise  from  thickening  and  induration  of  the  fibrous 
capsule,  or  from  the  formation  of  fibroid  bands  within  the  joint;  or  it 
may  be  caused  by  partial  or  complete  erosion  of  the  cartilages  and  syno- 
vial membranes;  their  place  being  supplied  by  a  fibroid  or  a  fibro-cellular 
tissue,  by  means  of  which  the  articular  ends  of  the  bones  are  united.  Or 
it  may  arise  from  shortening,  contraction,  or  wasting  away  of  the  mus- 
cles which  in  health  move  the  joint.     In  other  cases  the  anchylosis  may 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS.  203 

be  osseous,  i.  e.,  bony  union  may  have  taken  place  between  the  bones  of 
the  joint. 

Inflammation  in  a  joint,  or  even  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  joint,  is 
always  a  source  of  some  danger.  There  is  always  some  reason  to  fear 
lest  the  deposit  resulting  from  the  inflammation  should  interfere  with 
the  free  motion  of  the  part,  even  if  it  does  not  produce  partial  or  com- 
plete anchylosis. 

Treatment. — For  bony  anchylosis  there  is  no  remedy.  The  previ- 
ous disease,  whatever  it  may  have  been,  has  caused  the  mischief  and  an- 
chylosis is  the  result. 

For  mere  stiffness  (as  distinguished  from  anchylosis)  arising  from  re- 
cent thickenings  or  deposits  in  or  about  the  neighborhood  of  the  joint, 
the  treatment  consists  in  rest;  and  in  the  application,  as  soon  as  the  active 
inflammation  has  left  the  part,  of  absorbents,  such  as  mercury,  iodine, 
or  biniodide  of  mercury.  Although  we  cannot  be  certain  of  a  favorable 
result,  yet  there  is  a  reason  to  hope  that  by  the  use  of  such  means  so 
much  of  the  thickening  or  exostosis  may  be  removed  as  will  at  least  pre- 
vent its  interfering  with  the  motion  of  the  joint.  With  the  removal  of 
such  interference,  the  pain  and  irritation  will  cease. 

In  human  surgery,  operations  are  sometimes  undertaken  for  the  re- 
moval of  such  deposits;  but  in  the  horse  they  do  not  answer,  because  there 
are  no  means  of  placing  him  in  such  position  as  will  take  the  weight  off 
the  limb  for  a  suflQcient  length  of  time  after  the  operation. 


OPEN  JOINT 

Definition. — Is  an  exposed  condition  of  a  joint,  accompanied  by  a 
discharge  of  synovial  fluid  and  extensive  inflammation. 

Etiology. — Some  penetrating  injury  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
joint,  or  sloughing  of  injured  parts  so  as  to  expose  the  bones  of  the  joint. 

Symptoms. — An  open  joint,  when  occasioned  by  puncture  or  inci- 
sion, is  not  at  first  (if  unassociated  with  fracture)  attended  by  severe 
local  or  constitutional  disturbance;  but  at  the  end  of  a  period  varying 
from  two  to  ten  days  pain  comes  on,  and  spreads  over  the  joint,  which 
soon  presents  a  considerable  amount  of  swelling  and  tension.  The  swell- 
ing is  at  first  tense,  but  elastic;  however,  it  soon  becomes  hard  and  un- 
yielding, and  accompanied  by  great  constitutional  disturbance,  the  pulse 


204  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    ANB    SURGERY. 

rising  in  frequency,  becoming  hard  and  wiry  in  its  character,  and  the 
animal  evincing  acute  and  agonizing  pain  by  partial  tremors  and  sweats 
upon  his  body.  In  fact,  all  the  constitutional  symptoms  indicate  a  state 
of  great  irritability.  The  lameness  is  excessive.  The  animal  is  scarcely 
able  to  put  its  foot  to  the  ground,  whilst  at  the  same  time  the  joain 
causes  it  to  keep  it  in  an  almost  continual  state  of  motion.  An  injury 
not  at  first  penetrating  the  joint  may  do  so  in  the  course  of  three  or  four 
days,  by  sloughing  of  the  tissues  around  it,  these  having  been  destroyed 
but  not  removed  by  the  violence  of  the  injury. 

The  discharge  of  synovia  may  be  very  trifling  for  some  days  after  the 
accident;  but  it  gradually  increases  as  the  inflammation  advances,  is  thin 
in  its  consistency,  and  mixed  with  flakes  of  lymph;  coagulates  upon  the 
lips  of  the  wound,  and  oozing  through  this  there  will  be  a  thin  watery 
discharge.  There  is  exudation  of  a  large  quantity  of  lymph  into  the  tis- 
sues surrounding  the  joint,  Avhich  becomes  partly  organized,  forming  a 
hard,  firm  swelling.  The  secretion  from  the  wound  is  now  unhealthy, 
purulent,  or  tinged  with  blood,  whilst  abscesses  begin  to  form  around 
the  articulation. 

When  blood  is  seen  in  the  synovial  discharge,  it  is  an  indication  that 
the  laminal  extremities  of  the  bones  have  been  removed,  that  their  vas- 
cular interior  is  exposed,  and  that,  if  the  joint  affected  be  one  of  exten- 
sive motion,  it  will  be  useless  to  keep  the  animal  longer  in  its  misery. 

Bring  the  lips  of  the  wound  together  by  suture,  which  must  be  either 
metallic  or  catgut.  If  there  are  any  foreign  bodies,  such  as  dirt,  gravel, 
or  portions  of  disintegrated  tissue  in  the  wound,  they  must  be  carefully 
removed  before  its  lips  are  brought  together.  To  support  the  suture, 
and  to  prevent  the  admission  of  air  and  germs  into  the  wound,  the  styp- 
tic colloid,  shellac,  or  collodion,  must  be  applied,  by  being  painted  on  in 
successive  layers  with  a  camel's-hair  pencil.  The  next  thing  to  be  done 
is  to  place  the  animal  in  slings  as  soon  as  possible.  This  is  essential  to 
the  successful  treatment  of  open  joint,  as  it  places  the  patient  in  the 
most  favorable  position  for  repose,  and  by  preventing  him  from  making 
even  the  attempt  to  lie  down,  does  away  with  the  danger  of  reopening 
the  wound.  All  other  local  applications,  by  interfering  with  the  healing 
process  in  the  wound,  are  at  this  stage  calculated  to  do  harm. 

Wounds  upon  or  near  articulations  should  never  be  meddled  with,  by 
any  probing,  for  the  purpose  of  discovering  if  there  be  fracture  of  the 
bones.     If  fracture  exist,  the  lameness  will  be  excessive  from  the  first. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEG?.  205 

A  meddlesome  interference  with  the  probe  has  often  caused  open  joint, 
when  the  original  injury  had  not  penetrated  the  synovial  membrane. 

The  constitutional  treatment  must  be  that  calculated  to  lessen  pain 
,  and  irritation;  a  small  purgative,  combined  with  opium: 

Aloes 3  iij. 

Powdered  opium 3  ss. 

Molasses sufficient  to  make  one  ball 

to  be  followed  at  intervals  of  four  to  six  hours  by  one-half-drachm-doses 
of  opium  or  of  aconite;  and  enemas  of  warm  water,  two  or  three  times  a 
day,  will  be  beneficial,  unloading  the  rectum,  and  enabling  the  animal  to 
pass  iseces  without  straining. 

If  the  wound  heal  by  these  measures,  and  the  inflammation  of  the 
joint  continue,  as  in  all  probability  it  will,  cold  must  be  applied;  and 
the  best  method  of  doing  this  is  by  irrigation — that  is,  by  allowing  a 
continual  stream  of  cold  water  to  trickle  over  the  surface  of  the  joint. 
This  is  easily  done  by  attaching  an  India-rubber  pipe  to  a  faucet,  fasten- 
ing the  pipe  to  a  convenient  part  of  the  slings,  and  carrying  its  free  ex- 
tremity on  to  the  lame  limb,  and  fixing  it  above  the  inflamed  joint  by 
means  of  a  bandage.  If  no  faucet  is  convenient,  a  tub  can  be  fixed  in 
the  loft  above  the  horse,  or  in  any  part  of  the  stable  above  the  level  of 
the  inflamed  joint,  and  the  pipe  inserted  into  an  aperture  at  the  lower 
part  of  the  tub,  which  is  to  be  well  supplied  with  water.  A  very  small 
stream  of  water  will  be  suflficient. 

If  the  injury  has  been  inflicted  for  a  longer  period  than  a  few  hours, 
when  inflammation  is  already  established,  and  pus  has  commenced  to  be 
formed,  to  plug  up  the  wound  at  this  stage  would  only  cause  the  fluid 
accumulated  within  the  capsule  of  the  joint  to  burst  out  at  some  other 
spot.  The  application  of  the  actual  cautery,  of  hot  lime,  and  of  the 
various  caustics  and  astringents,  with  the  view  of  coagulating  the  syno- 
via, as  recommended  by  many  teachers,  writers,  and  practitioners,  can- 
^  not  be  too  highly  condemned;  and  it  must  always  be  remembered  by  the 
practitioner  that  every  wound  which  has  commenced  to  suppurate  must 
heal  by  granulations;  and  that  the  more  perfect  formation  of  these  goes 
on  in  the  deeper-seated  parts  of  the  wound — that  is  to  say,  that  the  heal- 
ing must  be  from  within  outwards:  the  plugging  of  the  outer  orifice, 
while  pus  is  being  formed,  causes  it  to  accumulate  in  the  joint  and  sur- 


206  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    6UKGEEY. 

rounding  structures,  adds  to  the  suffering  of  the  animal,  and,  in  too 
many  cases,  causes  its  death. 

The  application  of  a  blister  to  the  whole  surface  of  the  joint  is  the 
most  successful  treatment  that  can  be  adopted  if  the  wound  has  failed  to 
heal  by  the  primary  or  adhesive  process.  The  blister  acts  by  removing 
pain,  limiting  motion,  exciting  the  formation  of  healthy  granulations, 
and  (as  a  result  of  the  swelling  it  produces)  causing  the  approximation 
of  the  snrfaces  of  the  wound. 

The  coagulum  of  synovia  which  accumulates  upon  the  wound  should 
never  be  removed,  as  it  prevents  the  admission  of  air  and  of  organic 
germs  into  the  joint,  and  thus  limits  the  formation  of  pus. 

Many  cases  when  so  treated  make  good  recoveries;  but  if  ulceration 
of  the  cartilage  and  removal  of  the  laminal  ends  of  the  bones  occur  (and 
this  change  will  be  indicated  by  haemorrhage,  or  by  increased  pain  and 
twitching  movements  of  the  limb),  and  if  the  articulation  be  one  of  ex- 
tensive motion,  the  attendant  will  understand  that  the  repair  can  only 
be  by  anchylosis,  and  that  anchylosis  in  such  a  joint  will  render  the  ani- 
mal unfit  for  further  use;  but  if  the  joint  be  one  of  limited  motion,  the 
animal  may  become  fit  for  slow  work,  even  after  the  joint  has  been 
destroyed.  The  animal's  shoes  should  be  removed,  provided  this  be 
done  carefully,  and  beforo  great  lameness  has  manifested  itself.  If  one 
of  the  lower  articulations,  particularly  of  the  fore  extremities,  be  the 
seat  of  the  lesion,  the  animal  can  be  made  to  stand  in  a  tub  of  cold 
water  (see  Fig.  2)  and  the  trouble  of  affixing  the  pipe  for  the  purpose 
of  irrigation  be  avoided. 

All  cases  of  open  joint  require  a  long  period  of  rest  after  the  wound 
has  healed;  and  it  is  generally  necessary  to  blister  repeatedly,  or  even  to 
fire,  before  the  remains  of  the  inflammation  excited  in  the  bones  and  sy- 
novial membrane  are  finally  removed. 

Several  abscesses,  some  mere  points  of  pus,  others  of  a  greater  size, 
form  in  the  exudate  which  has  been  formed  outside  of  the  cavity  of  the 
articulation  during  the  progress  of  the  disease.  It  may  be  considered 
necessary  to  open  them  surgically,  if  they  cause  increased  pain.  It  may 
be  well  do  so;  but  if  they  are  mere  accumulations  without  pain,  it  is  bet- 
ter not  to  interfere,  rather  allowing  them  to  burst  spontaneously. 

The  horse  should  be  kept  in  the  slings  until  he  is  able  to  bear  a  mod- 
erate amount  of  weight  upon  the  affected  limb. 

During  the  early  period  of  the  disease,  the  food  must  be  spare,  light, 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  IIL 

DISSECTION  SHOWING  THE  SEAT  AND  INTERNAL  APPEARANCE  OF 
WINDGALLS.    (Percival.) 

In  this  plate  is  represented  the  near  hind  leg  of  the  horse,  cut  off  below 
the  hock,  inclined  a  little  in  its  position  so  as  the  more  fully  to  ex- 
pose to  view  its  outer  side:  the  windgalls  formed  in  it  showing 
rather  more  development  on  that  than  on  the  opposite  side. 

Two  of  these  tumors  {a  and  b)  are  apparent  in  it  in  the  usual  situation, 
viz.,  a  little  above  the  fetlock.  One  of  them  (a),  which  is  cut  open 
to  expose  its  interior,  is  seated  about  a  couple  of  inches  higher  than 
the  sesamoid  bones,  being  there  lodged  in  front  of  the  perforatus 
tendon  (d)  in  the  interspace  between  it  and  the  perforans  tendon 
(e);  which  latter  seems  as  though  it  actually  ran  through  the  cavity 
of  the  windgall,  owing  to  the  circumstance  of  the  bursa  having 
natural  attachments  around  the  borders  of  the  tendon.  At  the 
time  it  was  cut  open  this  windgall  contained  full  half  an  ounce  of 
albuminous  fluid,  of  the  aspect  and  consistence  of  white  of  egg,  ex- 
cepting that  it  was  of  a  beautifully  bright,  pale  yellow  color,  as  the 
stain  it  has  left  upon  the  tendon  (at  e)  fully  indicates.  Its  charac- 
ter was  truly  synovial. 

The  other  fetlock  windgall  (b),  situated  half  an  inch  lower  down,  is 
lodged  in  front  of  the  perforans  tendon,  between  it  and  the  suspen- 
sory ligament  (/"),  whose  bifurcations  afford  a  habitation  for  it 
(at  g).  In  its  unopened  state  the  windgall  assumes  the  ordinary 
bluish  or  grayish  cast  windgalls,  viewed  through  their  parietes,  or- 
dinarily present. 

The  windgall-looking-like  cavity  within  the  hollow  of  the  heel  (c), 
though  in  the  subject  from  which  the  drawing  was  taken  no  more 
than  a  healthy  bursa,  represents  well  enough  the  seat  of  "  windgall 
of  the  heel." 


f 


9. 


PLATE 


a  -- 


""55"      J 


-^ 


X  t.).)cclit>u   jhou'inq   tW.oeal   a  Tid  LixtclTval  akKeat 


a^\cc 


I       ofindqalUj 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF   THE    LEGS.  207 

and  cooling;  but  when  the  fever  has  abated,  it  must  be  of  the  most 
nourishmg  kind,  in  order  to  compensate  for  the  great  waste  of  tissue 
and  emaciation  which  are  so  characteristic  of  open  joint. 


WINDGALLS. 
(see   PLATE   III. 

Defiiiitioii. — Windgalls  are  soft,  pulpy  swellings  in  the  neighborhood 
of  the  fetlock  joints.  They  may  vary  in  size  from  a  pin  to  a  large  hen's  egg. 
Fig.  106. 


Fig.  lOG. 
External  appearance  of  windgaUs. 


Etiology. — They  more  commonly  arise  from  over-exertion  and  irri- 
tation of  the  parts  than  from  actual  sprain.  Indeed  the  fetlock  joint  is 
so  constructed  that  it  is  very  rarely  sprained. 

Treatment. — Apj^ly  a  stimulating  ointment: 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Lard §  i j. 

or,  if  preferred,  the  biniodide  of  mercury  ointment: 

Biniodide  of  mercury |  i. 

Lard §  x. 

Even  if  absorbed,  they  are  very  apt  to  return  when  the  horse  is  put  to 
work  again. 


208  VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE   AND    SUKGEKY. 


BRUSHING. 

Synonyms. — Interfering,  cutting. 

Definition. — Striking  the  fetlock  by  the  opposite  foot,  sometimes 
causing  a  contusion  only,  but  more  often  scratching  or  abrading  the 
surface.     Commonly  interfering  is  between  the  hind  feet  only. 

Etiology. — Bad  shoeing;  the  clinched  point  of  a  nail,  not  sufficiently 
turned  in  or  filed,  will  sometimes  lacerate  the'  opposite  fetlock  badly. 
Horses  when  fatigued  are  more  apt  to  interfere. 

Symptoms. — More  or  less  severe  transient  lameness;  if  badly  struck, 
the  horse  will  flinch  and  carry  the  injured  leg  off  the  ground  for  several 
steps,  and  limp  for  some  time  before  the  pain  subsides. 

Treatment. — A  shoe  made  thick  at  the  heel  on  the  inside,  and  a 
boot  on  the  opposite  leg.     If  the  fetlock  is  badly  bruised,  foment  with: 

Chloride  of  ammonium ^  i. 

Nitrate  of  potassium 5  ij. 

Water §  xvi. 

Thoroughly  dry  after  each  washing,  and  if  cut  apply  Pinus  canadensis  or 
tar. 

'■  SPEEDY-CUT. 

Definition. — This  is  an  injury  caused  by  the  one  fore-foot  wounding 
the  opposite  leg  immediately  below,  and  sometimes  just  above,  the  knee. 
It  is  usually  inflicted  at  the  gallop,  when  the  horse  has  begun  to  tire. 

Symptoms. — Heat  and  swelling,  accompanied  by  the  formation  of 
pus,  about  the  injured  part,  which  is  very  sensitive.  After  a  day  or  two, 
an  abscess  may  appear,  or  the  swelling  may  feel  like  a  sac  containing  pus. 

Treatment. — If  pus  is  present,  open  the  abscess  freely,  to  give  it  vent; 
bathe  the  parts  with  warm  water,  and  afterward  with  a  weak  solution  of: 

Acetate  of  zinc gr.  xxv. 

Water 1  pint 

Use  as  soon  as  the  acetate  is  dissolved. 

If  left  alone,  the  abscess  will  often  become  hard;  if  it  is  desirable  to 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


209 


break  up  this  deposit,  blister  with  biniodide  of  mercury,  aud  open  at  the 
lowest  point  by  a  horizontal  incision.  Then  apply  a  chamois-skin  band- 
age, wet  with  oil  and  water,  moderately  tight,  to  induce  absorption.  It 
is  advisable  to  use  a  boot  extending  as  high  as  the  knee  on  horses  liable  to 
speedy-cut. 

SHOULDER  SLIP. 

Deflnition.  — Inflammation   of    tlie   muscles    and    tendons    of    the 


Fig.  107. 
Muscles  of  the  inside  of  the  Scapula 

Involved  in  Shoulder  Slip. 
1,  1.  The  antea  spinatus. 

2.  fiibscapularis. 

3.  Teres  internus. 

4.  Caput  magnum  of  triceps  extenscr 

pedis. 

5.  Scapulo-ulnarius. 

6.  A  distinct  muscle,  without  a  nam?. 

7.  A  portion  of  the  caput  medium. 

8.  Humeralis. 

9.  Caput  parvum. 

10.  Coraco-humeralis. 

11.  Flexor  brachii. 

14 


Fig.  108. 

Muscles  of  the  outer  sidb  of 

THE  Shoulder,  Atrophied  in 

Shoulder  Slip. 

a.  Postea  spinatus. 

b.  Antea  spinatis. 

c.  Triceps. 

d.  Teres  externus. 

e.  Flexor  brachii. 

/.  Extensors  of  the  forearm. 
g.  Flexors  of  the  forearm. 


210  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGEET. 

shoulder  joint  resulting  in  atrophy.  See  Fig.  107  and  Fig.  108  for  mus- 
cles involved  in  shoulder  slip. 

Etiology. — Shoulder  slip  occurs  only  in  horses  which  are  obliged  to 
work  on  uneven  ground,  as  in  plowing. 

Symptoms. — A  wasting  away  of  the  shoulder,  accompanied  by  ao 
increasing  lameness.  The  loss  of  muscle  leaves  a  hollow  space  upon  both 
sides  of  the  scapular  spine. 

Treatment. — If  the  inflammation  is  detected  before  the  muscles  be- 
come atrophied,  fomentations: 

Chloride  of  ammonium, 

Nitrate  of  potassium aa  §  iiss 

Water 1  pint 

Use  as  soon  as  dissolved. 

A  dose  of  physic,  five  grains  of  aloes  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses  to 
form  a  ball,  and  subsequently  keeping  the  bowels  free  by  green  forage,  and 
removal  of  the  shoes  is  proper  treatment.  After  the  muscles  are  shrunk- 
en, stimulating  blister: 

Cantharides §  i. 

Lard Ix. 


or. 


Binodide  of  mercury |  i. 

Lard 5xvi. 


and  turning  out  to  grass  for  a  long  rest  is  best. 


ELBOW  LAMENESS. 

Etiology. — Disease  of  the  joint,  sprain  of  the  lateral  ligaments,  or 
rupture  of  the  triceps  muscle  are  the  ordinary  causes  of  elbow  lameness. 

Symptoms. — The  lameness  is  excessive.  When  the  ligaments  are 
sprained  or  the  triceps  injured,  the  diagnosis  of  the  seat  of  lameness  is 
easy,  for  there  will  be.  swelling,  pain,  and  heat,  in  addition  to  difficulty 
in  moving  the  articulation.     When  the  internal  ligament  is  injured,  the 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


211 


horse  stands  with  his  foot  and  limb  thrown  outwards.  This  he  does  to 
prevent,  as  much  as  possible,  the  injured  parts  being  pressed  upon  by 
the  pectoral  muscles,  and  when  the  triceps  is  the  seat  of  the  injury,  the 
forearm  is  flexed  upon  the  humerus;  the  action  of  the  flexor  brachii 
being  now  unopposed,  the  knee  is  elevated,  the  leg  flexed  from  the  kne^'. 
downwards,  the  toe  of  the  foot  touching  the  ground,  and  the  limb  semi- 
pendulous.  When  the  horse  is  made  to  move,  he  drops  considerably,  and 
seems  in  danger  of  falling  at  every  step  he  takes,  the  limb  itself  almost 
bending  double  when  any  weight  is  thrown  upon  it.  This  excessive 
dropping,  during  progression,  in  characteristic  of  elbow- joint  lameness, 
even  when  there  are  no  external  signs,  such  as  heat,  swelling,  or  pain, 
visible.     Fig.  109  gives  the  anatomy  of  the  joint. 


Fig.  109, 
Posterior  view  of  left  elbow  joint. 


A.  Inferior  third  of  the  humerus. 

B.  B.    External  and  internal  condyles. 

C.  Olecranon  process  of  ulna. 

D.  Radius. 


1 .  External  lateral  ligament. 

2.  Internal  lateral  ligament. 

3.  3.    Fibro-cart^'aginous  substance  unit- 

ing the  ulna  to  the  radius. 


Treatment. — Frequent  fomentations  with  warm  or  not  water  in 
which  a  little  laudanum  may  be  poured.  In  a  day  or  two,  cold  applications 
may  be  made,  oi*  they  may  be  made  from  the  outset  if  preferred. 

A  full  dose  of  six  grains  of  aloes  may  be  given.  The  swelling  may 
be  afterwards  treated  by  rubbing  with: 


212 


VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 


Powdered  cantharides '^i. 

Lard §  xij , 

Mix  with  gentle  heat. 


CAPPED  KNEE. 

Definition. — Swelling  of  the  bursa  of  the  extensor  metacarpi  mag- 
nus  muscle. 

Etiology. — Usually  produced  by  blows  upon  the  knees  or  by  the 
entrance  of  thorns  into  the  knee. 

Symptoms. — Stiffness  and  pain  in  the  knee  with  heat,  indicating  in- 
flammation, with  a  resulting  fluctuating  swelling.     Fig.  110. 


Fig.  no. 
Capped  knee,  fore  leg. 


Treatment. — This  swelling  may  either  be  punctured  at  once,  or  it 
reduction  attempted  by  the  application  of  blisters.  Of  course  if  a  thorn 
can  be  detected,  it  must  be  at  once  removed.  Blisters,  when  sufficiently 
strong. 

Powdered  cantharides §  i. 

Lard !  vi. 

often  cause  the  reduction  of  these  swellings  by  producing  an  exudation 
of  lymph  into  the  distended  sac,  converting  the  soft,  fluctuating  swelling 
into  a  hardish,  indurated  mass,  which  is  gradually  removed  by  absorp, 
tion.  But  if  blisters,  with  moderately  firm  pressure  after  the  soreness  of 
the  blister  has  passed  away,  have  no  effect  in  reducing  the  swelling,  the 
practitioner  need  not  hesitate  to  puncture  and  allow  the  contained  fluid 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF   THE    LEGS.  213 

to  escape.  The  puncture  should  be  made  at  the  lowest  margin  of  the 
swelling,  and  upon  its  inner  side,  by  a  transverse  incision,  in  order 
to  blemish  as  little  as  possible.  After  the  i^uncture  is  made  and  the 
fluid  pressed  out,  the  walls  of  the  sac  must  be  kept  in  apposition  by 
means  of  a  flannel  bandage,  rolled  round  the  knee  from  above  down- 
wards, until  they  become  united  by  the  adhesive  inflammation.  The 
bandnge  should  not  be  disturbed  for  five  or  six  days  if  no  inconvenience 
is  caused  to  the  patient;  but  if  any  signs  of  pain  are  manifested,  it  should 
be  removed  and  readjusted.  The  puncture  in  the  skin  must  be  kept 
open  (and  the  best  plan  to  do  this  is  to  insert  a  small  piece  of  lint  or  tow 
into  its  orifice,  allowing  it  to  remain  in  for  a  few  hours),  in  order  to  allow 
the  escape  of  any  fluid  which  might  collect  in  the  sac.  The  bandage  is 
placed  so  as  not  to  cover  the  wound.  There  is  no  danger  to  be  appre- 
hended from  opening  this  bursa,  sufficient  inflammation  is  excited  with- 
out injecting  iodine  or  any  other  irritant. 


STIFLE  JOINT  LAMENESS. 

Symptoms. — When  the  true  stifle-joint  is  affected,  the  leg  through- 
out is  held,  when  at  rest,  in  a  flexed  condition,  the  toe  resting  on  the 
ground;  but  as  soon  as  the  sufferer  moves  the  limb  it  is  quickly  extended 
and  rigid;  at  each  step  the  heels  first  touch  the  ground,  the  body  being 
elevated  greatly,  as  the  weight  is  carried  over  the  limb.  "When  the  minor 
joint  is  diseased,  the  limb,  as  in  the  preceding  case,  is  held,  during  rest, 
in  a  state  of  semiflexion;  in  movement,  the  toe  drags  on  the  ground,  or 
is  carried  round  in  a  swinging  form;  and  in  the  worst  cases — probably 
from  extension  of  the  disease — the  action  assumes  the  form  last  described. 
Swelling,  acute  irritative  fever,  and  intense  pain,  sometimes  mark  these 
cases,  from  which  the  animal  dies,  or  has  to  be  destroyed.  In  old  horses 
it  is  not  uncommon  to  find  eburnation  of  this  Joint,  the  existence  of 
which  may  have  been  suspected  by  the  enlarged  condition  of  the  synovia 
capsule  during  life.  For  the  anatomy  of  the  stifle  Joint  see  Figs.  Ill 
and  112. 

Treatment. — Cold  applications  until  the  inflammation  subsides  and 
then  stimulating  embrocations:  that  recommended  below  for  sprain  of 
the  fetlock  joint.     Or,  if  preferred: 


214 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


Fig.  111. 
Posterior  View  of   Stifle 
Joint. 

A.  Inferior  third  of  femur. 

B.  B.  Condyles. 

D.  Superior  third  of  the  tibia. 

E.  Fibula. 

F.  Patella. 

1.  Internal  lateral  ligament  of  the 

patella. 

2.  External  lateral  ligament  of  the 

femoro-tibial  articulation. 

3.  Internal  lateral  ligament  of  the 

femoro-tibial  articulation. 

4.  Posterior  crucial  ligament. 

5.  5.  Semilunar  cartilages. 


Fig.  112, 
External  View  of  the  Left 
Stifle  Joift. 

A.  Femur. 

B.  External  condyle  of  femur. 

C.  Trochlea. 

D.  Tibia. 

E.  Fibula. 

F.  Patella. 

1.  Strong  band  of  fibres. 

8.  External  lateral  ligament,  or 
the  capsular  ligament,  connect- 
ing tlie  patella  with  the  exter- 
nal condyle. 

3.  3.  Great  ligament  of  the  patella. 

4.  4.  External  ligament  of  the  pa- 

tella. 

5.  5.  Semilunar  fibro-cartilages. 


Mercurial  ointment 1  i. 

Oil  of  origanum 3  ss. 

Camphor §  i. 

Olive  oil ?  iv. 


SPRAIN  OF  THE  FETLOCK  JOINT. 


Symptoms. — Heat,  pain,  and  tenderness  on  manipulation,  a  hesi- 
tancy to  put  the  foot  to  the  ground,  and  finally  abandoning  the  attempt 
and  hopping  on  three  legs.     It  is  a  rare  form  of  lameness. 

Treatment. — Throw  up  the  horse  from  all  work,  give  perfect  rest. 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF   THE   LEGS.  215 

bind  up  the  joint  loosely  with  muslin  bandages,  and  keep  wet  with  cold 
water  until  the  inflammation  subsides,  afterward  rub  twice  daily  for  a 
week  with: 

Oil  of  turpentine, 

Tincture  of  cantharides aa  §  iss. 

Give  very  gentle  work  for  some  time. 


SPRAIN  OF  THE  FLEXOR  TENDONS. 

Synonym. — Sprain  of  the  back  sinews. 

Etiology. — Too  heavy  loads,  especially  when  shod  with  high  toe  calks. 

Symptoms. — Tliere  will  be  heat  and  swelling  in  the  part;  very  often 
during  the  earlier  stages,  the  ligament  can  be  felt  swollen,  prominent, 
and  bulging,  the  tendons  themselves  being  quite  normal;  when  pressed 
upon,  the  horse  evinces  pain;  stands  with  the  leg  upright,  and  moves  it 
stiflQy,  digging  his  toe  into  the  ground.  When  in  the  hind  leg,  flexion 
is  very  imperfectly  performed;  he  seems  to  throw  the  limb  behind  him  as 
he  lifts  it  from  the  ground,  and  the  fetlock  and  hock  are  not  flexed  as  in 
sound  action.  When  the  tendons  themselves  are  involved,  they  will  be 
found  swollen  upwards  and  downwards  from  the  seat  of  the  original  in- 
jury; and  this  extension  of  the  swelling  prevents  their  gliding  through 
their  thecae,  particularly  the  thecae  situated  in  the  carpal  or  tarsal  fossae. 

To  detect  very  slight  sprains,  especially  if  situated  in  a  hind  leg,  it 
will  often  be  necessary  to  compare  the  thickness  of  both  legs  by  careful 
manipulation,  as  the  swelling  can  only  be  detected  in  that  way,  on  ac- 
count of  the  coarse  hair  aiid  thick  skin  of  cart-horses'  legs.  In  the  bet- 
ter bred  animal,  a  difEerence  in  the  thickness  can  easily  be  seen  as  well 
as  felt. 

The  special  treatment  required  for  this  lameness  is  the  application  of 
the  high-heeled  shoe,  in  order  to  throw  the  tendons  into  a  state  of  relax- 
ation, and  a  long  period  of  rest.  In  chronic  cases,  where  shortening  has 
permanently  taken  place,  the  operation  of  tenotomy  must  be  performed. 

Many  horses  with  contraction  of  the  tendons  will  perform  very  light 
work  moderately  well  if  a  piece  of  iron  is  attached  to  the  toe  of  the  shoe, 
projecting  an  inch  or  two  in  front  of  it,  and  slightly  turned  up  at  its 


216  VETERINARY   MEDIOINE    AND    SURGERY. 

anterior  part.  Tliis  acts  as  a  lever  upon  the  toe,  forcing  the  heel  down- 
wards, and  prevents  "knuckling  over"  on  the  front  of  the  fetlock-joint. 

Tenotomy,  or  division  of  the  tendons,  is  thus  performed: — The  ani- 
mal is  first  cast,  the  hiine  leg,  heing  on  the  ground,  is  loosed  from  the 
hobbles,  and  secured  by  a  rope-strap  around  the  fetlock  held  by  an  assist- 
ant. A  small  wound  is  then  made  about  the  middle  of  the  leg  on  the 
inner  side  in  a  longitudinal  direction,  directly  over  the  groove  or  depres- 
sion formed  between  the  bone  and  tendons,  and  the  attachment  by  sub- 
cutaneous tissue  between  the  tendons  and  the  suspensory  ligament  also 
must  be  cut  through  as  far  as  the  skin  below,  the  knife  being  used  fiat- 
wise.  A  probe-pointed  knife  is  then  inserted  fiatwise  as  far  as  the  skin 
on  the  lower  side,  then  turned  edge  towards  the  tendons,  when  by  grad- 
ual cutting  they  are  divided.  The  existence  of  old-standing  adhesions 
about  the  tendons  and  fetlock-Joint  may  prevent  straightening  of  the 
limb,  but  if  the  operator  places  his  knee  against  the  front  of  the  cannon 
bone,  and  by  pulling  at  the  foot  forwards,  the  obstructions  will  be  broken 
down.  Only  one  skin  wound  is  necessary;  two  orifices  render  the  recov- 
ery tardy  and  awkward.  Union  of  the  lips  is  secured  by  sutures,  and 
cold-water  bandages  may  be  applied  afterwards,  or  the  antiseptic  treat- 
ment followed.  The  animal  may  be  placed  in  slings,  and  the  head  tied 
up,  the  feet  being  divested  of  shoes,  and  hoofs  trimmed  to  proper  pro- 
portions. By  degress  the  animal  brings  the  heels  to  the  ground  and 
bears  weight  upon  the  foot,  and  union  is  usually  effected  in  two  months, 
or  thereabouts,  sufficiently  to  enable  the  animal  to  go  to  ordinary  work. 

The  operation,  although  promising  in  itself,  and  successful  in  restor- 
ing the  limb  to  its  natural  position,  very  frequently  proves  a  source  of 
disappointment,  from  the  fact  that  the  reparative  material,  which  is 
thrown  out  between  the  ends  of  the  divided  tendons,  gradually  contracts-, 
whereby  the  tendons  are  made  as  short  as  before  it  has  been  performed. 
In  the  hind  leg  this  contraction  is  the  usual  consequence,  and  the  ten- 
dency to  it  has  to  be  overcome  by  a  lever  at  the  toe  of  the  shoe.  This 
often  arrests,  but  seldom  finally  prevents  it.  In  the  fore  extremity  the 
operation  is  much  more  successful,  the  limb  maintaining  its  natural  con- 
dition for  yeai's  afterwards. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  SUSPENSORY  LIGAMENT. 

Symptoms.— Sprain,  or  simple  extension  of  the  suspensory  ligament, 
according  to  the  extent  of  injury,  gives  rise  to  lameness,  swelling  along 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES   OF   THE   LEGS.  217 

the  course  of  the  structures,  with  heat,  pain,  and  tenderness  on  pressure; 
while  the  animal  endeavors  to  give  ease  to  the  part  by  flexing  the  fetlock- 
joint,  and  resting  or  walking  on  the  toe  of  the  foot,  the  weight  being  sus- 
tained by  the  flexor  muscles  and  tendons.  When  rupture  takes  place,  it 
may  occur  at  the  broad  part  above  the  bifurcation,  across  one  or  both  of 
the  branches;  or  it  may  be  torn  direct  from  one  or  both  of  its  attachments 
at  the  sesamoid  bones.  Wherever  the  tendon  is  ruptured  the  effects  are 
the  same;  the  fetlock  descends  to  the  ground,  the  toe  pointing  upwards 
and  the  sole  forwards,  exhibiting  the  condition  known  as  "  hrealc  doion.''^ 
As  the  ligament  is  common  to  fore  and  hind  legs,  any  one  of  them  may 
be  the  seat  of  lameness.  As  a  rule,  hunters  and  race-horses  are  most 
liable  to  it  as  arising  in  the  fore-limbs,  while  other  animals,  of  heavier 
breeds,  exhibit  it  in  the  hind  legs. 

The  injury  is  a  very  serious  one;  but  with  a  long  rest  and  proper 
treatment  a  horse  so  injured  may  become  sufficiently  sound  to  perform 
moderate  work  for  many  years.  Yet  there  is  always  a  weakness  left, 
which  must  be  considered  an  unsoundness,  as  it  may  at  any  time  cause 
lameness,  particularly  if  the  animal  be  called  upon  to  do  a  little  extra 
work. 

The  marks  of  the  injury  will  always  remain  and  exhibit  themselves  in 
a  permanent  thickening  which  maybe  felt  close  to  the  large  cannon  bone, 
or  on  any  part  of  the  ligament. 

Treatment. — For  simple  sprain  apply  cold  water,  put  on  a  bandage 
loosely,  and  keep  it  constantly  wet.  Make  a  fine  roll  of  tow  or  muslin 
and  bind  it  firmly  under  the  fetlock  pad  so  as  completely  to  fill  up  the 
hollow  of  the  heel  and  support  the  fetlock;  continue  the  bandage  well  up 
to  the  knee.  If  the  horse  will  lie  down,  it  is  the  best  way  of  resting  the 
limb,  otherwise  it  is  best  to  put  him  into  slings.  A  long  rest  from  work 
is  indispensable  to  a  recovery. 


SWELLED  LEGS. 

Synonyms. — Stocking;  CEdema  of  the  legs. 

Definition. — A  dropsical  afliection,  usually  of  mild  form.    The  name 
swelled  legs  indicates  very  clearly  the  appearance  of  this  affection. 

Etiology. — Sometimes  arising  from  deficient  action  of  the  kidneys. 


218  VETERINARY  MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 

but  much  more  commonly  from  the  vessels  of  the  legs  not  acting  suffi- 
ciently when  the  animal  is  at  rest. 

Symptoms. — Swelling  of  the  lower  part  of  the  legs,  giving  a  coarse 
appearance  to  them,  and  usually  most  apparent  in  the  morning. 

Treatment. — If  caused  by  want  of  exercise,  a  half  hour's  or  an 
hour's  walk  will  cause  aborption.  The  system  may  need  the  use  of  ton- 
ics as: 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  i, 

twice  a  day  in  the  food,  or. 

Sulphate  of  quinine  3  i. 

Gentian 3  ij. 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses .aa  sufficient. 

In  a  ball  daily. 

Or, 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  i. 

Gentian §  ij. 

Honey §  xvi. 

Two  tablespoon fuls  twice  daily  as  an  electuary. 

Give  some  simple  diuretic,  as: 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Dissolved  in  water 

to  act  on  the  kidneys. 


LYMPHANGITIS. 

Synonyms. — Weed;  Inflammatory  (Edema. 

Definition. — Inflammation  of  the  lymphatic  glands,  usually  of  the 
hind  legs,  accompanied  by  a  disturbance  of  the  functions  of  the  absorb- 
ents and  blood-vessels. 

Etiology. — Over-feeding  with  too  little  regular  exercise.    Hereditary 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF   THE    LEGS.  219 

predisposition,  unaccustomed  and  prolonged  exposure  to  wet  and  cold 
after  severe  work. 

Symptoms. — Mr.  Haycock,  who  was  first  to  give  this  disease  a  sci- 
entific name,  very  graphically  describes  a  case  of  it  which  occurred  in 
his  practice.  He  says: — *' The  horse  is  standing  in  the  stable  on  three 
legs,  the  left  hind  limb  being  held  with  the  foot  from  the  ground. 
Great  anxiety  is  depicted  on  the  animal's  countenance,  and  he  frequently 
looks  round  at  the  limb  held  up.  The  respirations  are  forty-eight  per 
minute;  the  pulse  ninety-six,  and  hard  and  cord-like  to  the  touch.  The 
nostrils  are  dilated  to  their  full  extent,  and  the  perspiration  rolls  in 
drops  from  the  sides  of  the  abdomen,  the  shoulders,  and  the  thighs.  The 
affected  limb  is  greatly  distended  upon  its  inner  surface,  from  its  juDC- 
tion  with  the  body  to  the  very  foot.  The  lymphatic  glands  are  swollen 
into  large  lumps  or  masses,  and  towards  them,  in  all  directions,  run  a 
great  number  of  lymphatic  vessels,  enlarged  to  the  size  of  a  thick  quill. 
These  enlarged  vessels  exist  on  the  outer  as  well  as  the  inner  side  of  the 
limb.  The  surface  of  the  swelling  is  covered  with  a  serous  exudation  : 
the  mouth  is  dry  and  clammy;  and  great  desire  is  evinced  for  cold 
water." 

Horses  that  have  once  been  attacked  by  lymphangitis  are  liable  to 
a  recurrence  of  the  malady,  and  generally  one  attack  succeeds  another 
periodically,  until  the  limb  assumes  an  enlarged  or  distended  condition 
termed  elephantiasis. 

Treatment. — Fomentations  of  warm  water  to  which  a  little  lauda- 
num has  been  added,  to  the  affected  limb,  to  reduce  the  swelling, 
and  the  administration  of  a  cathartic: 

Aloes 3  vi. 

Ginger 3  i j. 

Molasses sufficient 

To  make  one  ball 

constitute  nearly  all  the  treatment  that  is  required.     After  the  cathartic 
has  operated,  diuretic  remedies  may  be  given  with  advantage: 

Powdered  digitalis 3  i 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Linseed  meal, 

Molassess aa  sufficient 


220  VETEBLNAEY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGEEY. 

Or, 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Dissolve  in  water  and  give  twice  a  day 

and  should  the  fever  be  very  high,  the  pulse  hard,  and  the  animal  sliow- 
ing  signs  of  much  pain  and  restlessness,  tincture  of  aconite  is  to  be  re- 
peatedly adniinistei'cd.  Some  practitioners  are  in  the  habit  of  giving  a 
small  cathartic,  and  sending  the  horse  to  ordinary  work  whilst  suffering 
from  this  malady.  Such  practice  is  irrational,  and  defeats  its  own  ob- 
ject; for  exercise,  though  carefully  regulated,  if  given  early  in  the  disease, 
causes  the  swelling  to  assume  a  permanency  of  character  which  it  is  dif- 
ficult to  remove.  Exercise  certainly  dissipates  the  swelling  at  the  time; 
but  after  the  patient  has  stood  for  a  few  iiours,  the  swelling  returns,  and 
it  is  no  less  curious  than  true,  that  each  fresh  exudation  tends  more  and 
more  to  become  organized. 

As  a  powerful  stimulant  to  the  vessels  of  the  skin  inducing  a  general 
warmth  over  the  surface  of  the  body,  tincture  of  arnica,  in  doses  varying 
from  one  to  two  ounces,  can  be  given  with  advantage. 


ELEPHANTIASIS. 

Definition. — This  is  a  condition  of  excess  of  development  of  the  cu- 
taneous and  subcutaneous  tissues  of  a  diffuse  character,  usually  involving 
the  larger  proportion  of  these  structures  of  an  entire  limb. 

Etiology. — This  condition  of  steady  hypertrophy  of  skin  and  other 
associated  structures  appears  in  all  instances  directly  dependent  on  lym- 
phangitis, the  extent  and  rapidity  of  the  changes  being  in  direct  relation 
to  the  severity  of  the  inflammation.  Although  the  hyperplastic  cutaneous 
activities  are  only  set  in  motion  by  the  inflammatory  affection  of  the  lym- 
phatics, and  while  every  fresh  attack  may  give  a  renewed  impetus  to  the 
development  of  particular  tissue-elements,  the  hyperplastic  changes, 
when  once  started,  seem  to  go  on  even  between  these  repeated  onsets  of 
lymphangitis,  only  receiving  a  fresh  and  more  powerful  impetus  on  the 
occasion  of  each  attack. 

Symptoms.— The  first  appearance  of  the  disease  is  a  swelling  of  the 
subcutaneous  tissue,  the  true  skin  becoming  involved  secondarily.    When 


DISEASES    AND    INJURIES    OF    THE    LEGS. 


221 


affected,  the  skin  becomes  thickened,  somewhat  hardened  and  more  dif- 
ficult to  move  on  the  subcutaneous  tissue;  it  is  dry  and  coriaceous,  oc- 
casionally scaly,  and  falls  into  folds  and  fissures  which  in  cases  of  long 
standing  may  chap  and  suppurate.  This  thickening  of  cutaneous  and 
subcutaneous  parts,  after  a  time,  causes  much  alteration  of  the  limb 
and  deformity,  with  impaired  power  of  motion.    (Fig.  113.) 


Fig.  113. 
Elephantiasis  in  the  Horse. 


Treatment. — This  may  be  palliative;  but  seldom,  when  once  estab- 
lished, is  the  condition  reversed.  Of  all  which  have  been  recommended 
and  tried,  a  judicious  combination  of  drastic  cathartics  and  diuretic 
medicine  with  a  rather  liberal  use  of  tonics,  vegetable  and  mineral, 
together  witli  the  employment  of  daily  inunctions  with  a  compound 
of  mercurial  and  iodine  ointment,  may  be  productive  of  good.  The 
more  heroic  treatment,  by  the  local  use  of  cantharides  blisters,  issues, 
or  the  actual  cautery,  has  also  been  tried,  but  generally  with  unfor- 
tunate results.  Once  the  disease  is  established,  it  may  be  classed  among 
the  incurables. 


CHAPTER  X. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  FEET. 


Prick  of  the  Foot,  Picking  up  Nails,  Puncture  of  the  Frog  and  Sole,  Corns,  Quittor, 
Sandcracks,  False  Quarter,  Seedy  Toe,  Thrush,  Frush,  Canker,  Navicular 
Disease,  Laminitis,  Founder,  Inflammation  of  the  Feet,  Sidehones,  Villitis, 
Inflammation  of  the  Coronet,  Carbuncle  of  Coronet,  Tread,  Overreach. 


The  diseases  of  the  feet  and  their  intelligent  treatment  can  be  better 
understood  by  a  careful  study  of  the  figures  here  given  as  preliminary  to 
the  consideration  of  the  subject  matter  of  this  chapter.     In  Fig.  114  is 


Fig.  114. 
External  appearance  of  the  Foot. 


Fio. 116 
Ground  surface  of  the  foot;  A,  sole'  B, 
laarsj  C,  Frog;  D,  the  ordinary  seat  of 
corns;  E,  Crust  or  wall. 


shown  the  enter  appearance  of  the  hoof,  the  horny  crust.    Fig.  115  is 
the  ground  surface  of  the  foot,  when  properly  prepared  for  shoeing 


224 


VETEKINAET   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


Fig.  116  shows  the  relation  of  the  bones  of  the  lower  leg  to  the  foot 
bones: — a,  cannon  bone;  h,  large  pastern  bone;  c,  small  pastern  bone; 
d,  pedal  bone;  e,  navicular  bone;  f,  insertion  of  the  extensor  pedis 
tendon  into  the  coronary  process  of  the  pedal  bone;  g,  insertion  of  the 
flexor  pedis  perforans,  passing  under  the  navicular  bone,  to  gain  inser- 
tion into  the  sole  of  the  pedal  bone;  h,  elastic  frog;  i,  horny  frog;  /, 
hoof;  k,  coronet. 


Fig.  116. 
The  pastern  and  foot  divided  through  the  centre. 


Fig.  117  exhibits  the  delicate  laminae  within  the  wall  of  the  foot: — 
a,  sensitive  frog;  h,  sensitive  bars:  white  line  between  the  bars  and  frog 
representing  the  part  of  the  foot  which  secretes  the  horny  commissure 
that  unites  the  bars  and  frog;  c,  sensitive  sole;  d,  heels;  e,  fissUre  of  the 
^^og;  ff,  reflection  of  the  sensitive  laminre  forming  the  bars;  g,  reflec- 
tion of  the  coronet  forming  the  frog.  The  spongy  substance,  represented 
at  the  left  between  e-a  and  h,  show  that  the  subject  whence  this  drawing 
was  taken  was  only  saved  by  death  from  an  attack  of  canker. 

Fig.  118,  the  bottom  of  the  foot  after  all  the  insensitive  sole  has  been 
removed: — a,  secreting  coronet;  h,  sensitive  laminae;  c,  reflection  of  the 
coronet  going  to  form  the  sensitive  frog;  d,  reflection  of  the  sensitive 
laminae  going  to  form  the  sensitive  bars;  e,  toe;  /,  quarters;  g,  heels. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    FEET. 


225 


In  Fig.  119  we  have  a  fine  representation  of  the  bones  and  other  parts 
of  the  foot  after  it  has  been  cut  off  just  below  the  coronet: — a,  elastic 
frog;  hb,  posterior  portion  of  the  lateral  cartilages;  cc,  anterior  portion 


Fig.  117. 
Sensitive  laminae  of  the  foot. 


of  the  lateral  cartilages  cut  through;  a,  flexor  pedis  perforans  tendon, 
running  under  the  navicular  bone,  but  above  the  elastic  frog;  e,  navicu- 


FiG.  118. 
The  bottom  of  the  foot  after  all  the  insensi- 
tive sole  has  been  removed. 


Fig.  119. 
The  hoof  divided  below  the  coronet. 


larbone,  the  anterior  portion  of  which  has  been  divided;/,  superior 
surface  of  the  pedal  bone,  showing  the  indentations  for  the  reception  of 


15 


226  VETEKINARY    MEDICINE    AND    8DKGEKT. 

the  prominences  at  the  inferior  extremity  of  the  small  pastern  bone;  g, 
in  the  separation  of  the  hoof  a  removal  has  taken  place  of  the  coronary 
process,  which  consequently  projects  above  the  horny  box  in  the  living 
subject;  h,  interweaving  of  the  sensitive  and  of  the  horny  or  insensitive 
laminse;  the  dark  lines  representing  the  sensitive  laminae,  and  the  white 
the  horny  laminae,  which  form  the  inner  wall  of  the  crust;  i,  outer  wall 
of  the  crust,  consisting  of  dark  horn. 


PRICK  OF  THE  FOOT. 

Synonyms. — Picking  up  a  nail. 

Etiology. — Pricking  is  caused  bynails  actually  penetrating  the  sensi- 
tive laniinse  which  line  the  interior  of  the  horny  substance  of  the  foot, 
or  by  their  being  driven  into  the  soft  horn  which  surrounds  them.  In 
the  latter  case,  it  may  be  several  days,  or  even  a  week  or  two,  before  the 
lameness  disappears.  Picking  up  a  nail  produces  a  similar  wound,  and 
is  liable  to  occur  at  any  time  a  horse  is  in  use.  An  injury  of  this  kind 
sliould  be  promptly  treated,  or  it  may  result  in  serious  trouble  and  cause 
tetanus. 

When  the  sensitive  sole  is  injured  by  any  such  cause,  inflammation 
almost  always  occurs,  terminating  in  the  formation  of  pus  which,  unless 
aided  to  escape,  may  burrow  its  way  up  and  form  an  opening  upon  the 
coronet,  producing  quittor. 

Symptoms. — Lameness. 

Treatment. — If  not  readily  seen,  the  exact  point  of  the  lameness 
may  be  detected  by  pinching  around  the  foot  with  a  pair  of  pincers,  one 
side  being  against  the  outside,  while  the  other  presses  the  sole  inside  of 
the  shoe.  The  injured  spot  being  supposed  to  be  found,  draw  the  nails 
from  the  shoe,  carefully  watching  each  as  it  comes  out.  If  one  appears 
to  be  wet,  it  is  probably  the  cause  of  the  trouble. 

In  all  cases  it  is  essential  to  pare  out  freely,  not  merely  the  seat  of  the 
puncture,  but  the  surrounding  sole  for  a  considerable  distance,  with  the 
view  of  affording  an  easy  exit  for  any  matter  which  may  form  in  the  in- 
sensitive sole.     The  foot  should  then  be  bathed  in  hot  water  for  an  hour. 

Having  taken  these  precautionary  measures,  it  is,  in  general,  safe  in 
cases  which  are  treated  immediately  after  the  occurrence  of  the  injury, 
i.  e.,  before  inflammation  has  begun  (but  not  otherwise),  bo  close  the 
puncture  at  once  by  the  application  of  tow  and  tar  for  the  purpose  of  ex- 


DI8EA.SES    OF   THE   FEET.  227 

eluding  the  air  and  thereby  lessening  the  chances  of  the  occurrence  of 
inflammation.  The  shoe  must  be  nailed  on  lightly  in  order  to  secure  the 
stopping  in  its  place.  Perfect  rest  is  essential.  In  favorable  cases,  the 
horse  will  be  fit  for  work  in  a  few  days.  Very  few  cases,  however,  are 
taken  sufficiently  early  to  render  the  closing  of  the  wound  advisable. 

As  a  general  rule,  inflammation  will  have  set  in  and  the  formation  of 
matter  begun  before  the  injury  is  noticed.  The  evil  with  which  we  have 
then  to  deal  is  the  confinement  of  the  pus  in  the  interior  of  the  foot.  In 
addition  to  paring  out  the  sole,  recourse  must  be  had  to  poultices  of  lin- 
seed meal: 

Ground  linseed §  ij. 

Olive  oil , 3  ij, 

Boiling  water §  v. 

Mix  the  ground  linseed  gradually  with  the  water  and  then  add  the  oil  with 
constant  stirring 

with  the  view  of  modifying  the  inflammation  and  relieving  the  pain. 

When  these  measures  are  early  and  efficiently  taken,  injuries  of  the 
sensitive  sole  seldom  prove  either  serious  or  tedious.  The  insensitive 
sole,  however,  having  been  freely  removed,  the  horse  will  not  be  fit  for 
work  until  nature  has  re-supplied  a  sufficient  quantity  of  it  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  foot,  unless  an  artificial  covering,  such  as  a  leather  shoe 
covering  the  entire  sole,  is  provided.  When,  however,  the  wound  is 
more  serious  and  does  not  yield  to  this  treatment,  lockjaw  may  supervene, 
or  even  set  in  within  four  or  five  days.  For  further  directions  in  sucJi 
cases,  see  the  article  on  Tetanus. 


PUNCTURES  OF  THE  FROG  AND  SOLE. 

Punctures  of  the  frog  are  similar  in  character  with  those  of  the  sole 
and  require  similar  treatment.  They  nearly  always  arise  from  picking 
up  a  nail.  When  taken  in  time,  they  are  not  serious  and  yield  to  treat- 
ment even  more  readily  than  injuries  of  the  sole. 

If  neglected,  however,  they  are  apt  to  lead  to  extensive  disease  of  the 
frog,  and  canker  may  be  the  possible  result.  In  rare  cases,  the  navicular 
bone  may  be  punctured,  perfect  recovery  from  which  can  never  be  ex- 
pected. 


228 


VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGEKY. 


CORNS. 

Beflnition. — Corns  are  bruises  of  the  sole,  usually  occurring  in  the 
angle  formed  by  the  bars  and  the  crust  in  front  of  the  heel.  They  rarely 
come  on  the  hind  feet.  Corns  probably  are  formed  suddenly  by  a  bruise 
on  the  soft  parts  in  the  location  named,  and  consist  at  first  simply  of 
serum  and  lymjjh,  or  of  exuded  blood;  very  similar  in  nature  to  a  blood 
blister  in  the  human  skin. 

Etiology. — An  indirect  but  common  cause  of  corns  is  bad  shoeing, 
the  practice  of  excessive  filing  of  the  crust,  to  make  a  good-looking  foot, 
and  also  the  removal  of  the  bars.     In  rare  cases  they  may  be  caused  by 


Fig.  120. 
Method  of  finding  a  corn. 


treading  upon  a  stone.  Paring  out  the  seat  of  the  corn,  by  which  the 
sensitive  sole  becomes  exposed  to  injury  from  bruises  and  from  the  accu- 
mulation of  dirt  and  gravel  under  the  shoe,  in  the  hollow  so  made,  may 
perpetuate  the  diflBculty. 

Symptoms. — Lameness,  more  or  less  pronounced.  To  find  the  ex- 
act location  of  a  corn,  apply  a  pair  of  pincers  to  the  hoof  as  shown  in 
Fig.  120,  and  ap])ly  firm  pressure  from  place  to  place  until  the  flinching 
of  the  horse  shows  the  right  spot  has  been  found. 

Treatment. — Tlie  treatment  of  a  corn,  in  its  early  stage,  consists 
simply  in  removing  the  cause,  which  is  almost  always  undue  pressure  of 
the  shoe.     Mayhew  divides  corns  into  four  kinds,  viz.,  the  old,  the  new, 


DISEASES    OF   THE   FEET.  229 

the  sappy,  and  the  suppurating;  and  as  each  has  its  characteristics  and 
appropriate  treatment,  his  classification  may  be  accepted. 

Old  corns  are  not  commonly  serious,  and  are  mainly  to  be  looked  out 
for  in  buying  a  horse. 

In  very  slight  cases,  not  causing  lameness,  it  will  be  suflBcient  to  cut 
away  with  the  knife  the  black  spot  which  indicates  the  seat  of  the  corn, 
and  apply  shoes  somewhat  longer  than  the  crust,  and  somewhat  broad 
in  tlie  web  at  the  heels,  i.  e.,  slighly  projecting  over  the  crust  and  bars. 

A  new  corn  consists  of  exuded  blood  effused  into  the  soft  horn,  and 
is  of  a  bright  scarlet  color.  If  it  produces  lameness,  it  should  be  pared 
out  carefully  and  wWiout  injury  to  the  crust  or  bars.  After  which  a 
three-quarter-shoe,  or  a  shoe  so  narrow  in  the  web  at  the  heel  that  it  may 
rest  only  on  the  crust,  should  be  applied.  Either  of  these  measures  will 
remove  the  cause,  viz.,  pressure. 

A  sappy  corn  is  treated  in  the  same  way. 

A  suppurating  corn  is  a  serious  evil,  and  produces  extreme  lameness. 
Take  off  the  shoe  and  apply  a  linseed  meal  poultices: 

Ground  linseed 1  ij. 

Olive  oil 3  ij. 

Boiling  water §  v. 

Mix  the  ground  linseed  gradually  with  the  water,  and  then  add  the  oil  with 
constant  stilling. 

After  twelve  to  twenty-four  hours,  remove  the  poultice,  and  cut  away  the 
softened  horn  until  it  yields  easily  to  the  pressure  of  the  finger,  and  then 
cut  into  the  corn  and  give  vent  to  the  confined  pus.  Poultice  again  for 
a  day  or  two,  as  may  seem  to  be  needed.  Then  wash  clean  and  apply 
some  astringent  and  antiseptic,  as  sulphate  of  zinc: 

Sulphate  of  zinc, 

Acetate  of  lead aa  3  ij. 

Water 1  pint. 

or,  if  preferred: 

CarboUc  acid 3  i. 

Water |vi.toxij. 

Shake  well. 


230  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Allow  the  horse  perfect  rest,  and  examine  the  foot  from  time  to  time,  to 
see  that  the  new  horn  is  growing  over  the  spot.  It  is  well,  when  the 
shoe  is  first  put  on  and  the  horse  used,  to  protect  to  foot  with  a  leathern 

sole 

For  those  who  desire  to  use  a  corn  salve,  the  following  preparation, 
recommended  by  Chawner,  is  as  good  as  any: 

Tar, 

Beeswax, 

Honey, 

Glycerin aa  §  iij. 

Lard lb.  H. 

Nitric  acid 3  ij. 

"Melt  the  lard  and  beeswax  together,  stir  in  the  tar  and  other  ingredients 
and  stir  until  cold." 

It  IS  essential  to  bear  in  mind  that  though,  as  a  temporary  measure, 
the  formation  of  corns  by  undue  pressure  may  be  prevented  by  paring 
out,  and  by  the  use  of  special  shoes,  yet  the  only  real  means  of  preventing 
a  recurrence  of  the  disease  consists  in  the  maintenance  of  a  good,  sound 
unrasped  crust,  and  unpared  bars,  on  which  a  well-fitting  shoe  of  the  pro- 
per length  can  rest  firmly  and  securely,  without  making  undue  pressure 
upon  the  seat  of  the  corn.  Corns,  when  treated  only  by  paring  out, 
even  though  they  may  by  such  means  be  got  rid  of  for  a  time,  generally 
reappear. 


QUITTOR. 

Synonym. — Fistula  of  the  coronet. 

Definition.— Quitter  is  described  by  Percivall  as  a  hard,  conical  tumor, 
liot  and  tender  on  pressure;  indeed,  sometimes  so  painful  as  to  occasion 
considerable  lameness.  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  cartilages  of  the 
foot,  accompanied  by  a  profuse  discharge  of  pus,  which  burrows  in  vari- 
ous directions,  making  fistulous  channels,  with  usually  several  openings 
upon  the  quarters  and  heels  of  the  coronet. 

Etiology. — The  most  common  cause  is  a  severe  tread  or  bruise  from 
some  other  cause  on  the  coronet.  It  may  also  arise  from  a  neglected  corn, 
or  from  a  bruise  or  prick  of  the  sole. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    FEET.  231 

Symptoms. — Usually  lameness  is  very  pronounced.  The  coronet 
swells,  sometimes  to  an  enormous  size,  is  hard  to  the  touch.  After  a 
time,  the  pus  breaks  through  and  is  discharged  as  a  thick,  creamy  fluid. 

Treatment. — Whatever  may  have  been  the  cause,  the  great  mischief 
arises,  not  so  much  from  the  original  injury,  as  from  the  tendency  of  the 
pus  or  matter  to  burrow  and  form  sinuses  in  the  interior  of  the  foot. 
Therefore,  in  all  cases,  our  first  aim  must  be  to  afford  an  easy  and  depend- 
ing exit  to  the  pus. 

Eemove  the  shoe,  and  pare  the  sole  clean,  to  see  if  the  quittor  has 
been  caused  by  a  wound  in  that  part.  If  it  has,  cut  down  on  the  brim 
and  open  a  channel  for  the  pus  to  escape  downward.  If  no  sinuses  have 
formed,  a  linseed  meal  poultice: 

Linseed  meal  i  iv. 

Olive  oil §  ss. 

Boiling  water 1  x. 

Mix  the  linseed  meal  gi'adually  with  the  water,  and  then  add  the  oil  with  con- 
stant stirring 

and  subsequent  application  of  an  astringent  lotion: 

Sulphate  of  zinc, 

A.cetate  of  lead  aa  3  ij. 

Water 1  pint 

will  generally  effect  a  cure.  If  sinuses  have  formed,  they  must  be  opened 
freely,  and  either  probed  with  the  actual  cautery,  or  with  a  mixture  of 
powdered  corrosive  sublimate  and  flour,  viz. : 

Corrosive  chloride  of  mercury 3  i. 

Flour • .  I  i. 

Or,  a  still  better  practice  is  to  syringe  it  out  with  a  mixture  of: 

Corrosive  chloride  of  mercury 3  i. 

Water !  i. 

Hydrochloric  acid 3  or  4  drops 

The  latter  is  also  the  most  simple  method. 

A  thorough  application  of  either  of  them  will  be  followed  by  the 


232  VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGEKY. 

sloughing  of  the  diseased  membrane  in  a  day  or  two.  The  animal 
should  then  begin  to  mend,  and  in  two  or  three  weeks  ought  to  be  again 
fit  for  work.  The  application  of  the  caustic  should  not  be  repeated 
more  than  once  or  twice. 

When  the  internal  disease  is  removed,  the  treatment  of  the  mere 
sore  at  the  coronet  is  easy.  In  fact,  beyond  keeping  it  clean,  applying  a 
simple  cold-water  dressing,  and  occasionally  an  astringent  lotion,  as: 

Collodion §  x. 

Carbolic  acid . . .  3  i. 

Tannin 3  iv. 

little  more  need  be  done.  Sometimes,  however,  there  is  a  great  tend- 
ency to  the  growth  of  unhealthy  granulations  around  the  sore,  which  will 
require  to  be  checked  by  caustics  or  removed  by  the  knife. 

Great  care  must  in  all  cases  be  taken  to  prevent  the  external  sore 
from  healing  over  before  the  internal  disease  is  thoroughly  eradicated. 
From  the  great  vascularity  of  the  parts  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  coro- 
net, there  is  always  an  over-tende»cy  to  the  healing  action. 


SANDCRACKS. 

Definition. — A  sandcrack  is  a  longitudinal  division  in  the  fibres  of 
the  wall  of  the  hoof,  amounting  to  a  flaw  simply,  or  else  to  a  cleft  or 
fissure  through  the  substance  of  the  horn.  It  is  usually  found  on  the 
inside  in  the  fore-feet  (quarter-crack.  Fig.  121)  and  in  front  in  the  hind 
feet  (toe-crack,  Fig.  122). 

Etiology. — In  most  cases,  the  fissure  is  due  to  brittleness  of  the 
crust.  This  brittleness  may  be  constitutional,  some  horses  being  evidently 
predisposed  to  it,  but  it  is  more  often  due  to  the  evil  practice  of  cutting 
away  the  sole,  and  of  rasping  the  crust.  The  fissure  may  also  be  a  re- 
sult of  conti-action  at  the  heels.  Such  contraction  may  arise  from  ' 
natural  causes,  but  it  is  certain  to  be  aggravated,  if  not  produced,  by  the 
practice  of  cutting  away  the  bars,  and  so-called  "opening"  the  heels. 

Symptoms. — A  sandcrack  does  not  ordinarily  cause  lameness  until 
it  has  become  suflficiently  deep  to  expose  the  sensitive  laminae,  or  until  it 
has  extended  to  the  coronary  band.     It  is  then  excessively  painful,  and 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FEET. 


233 


the  lameness  is  extreme;  the  crack  may  be  seen  to  open  as  the  horse 
raises  his  foot,  and  close  as  he  puts  it  down. 


! 

////     Jfilj 

Fig.  121.  Fig.  122. 

Quarter-Crack.  Toe-Crack. 

Treatment. — With  a  knife  scrape  the  sharp  edges  of  the  crack  to  its 
bottom,  until  a  clean  groove  has  been  formed.  Wash  out  with  white 
lotion: 

Sulphate  of  zinc, 

Acetate  of  lead ...  .aa  3  ij. 

Tannin 3  ss. 

Water 1  pint. 

In  all  cases  blister  the  coronet  with: 

Cantharides  in  powder §  ss. 

Lard §  vi. 

rubbing  it  in  every  two  or  three  days,  to  stimulate  the  formation  of  new 
horn. 

If  the  crack  does  not  extend  the  entire  length  of  the  hoof,  draw  a 


234 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 


deep  furrow  with  a  red-hot  iron,  at  either  end  or  both;  not  deep  enough, 
however,  to  cuuhc  pain,  but  sufficient  to  stop  the  crack  from  extending. 

Sandcrack,  wlicn  it  occurs  at  the  toe,  usually  extends  the  entire 
length  of  the  foot,  and  exposes  the  flesh,  which  is  apt  to  become  granu- 
lated. In  no  case  should  these  granulations  be  removed  by  caustic, 
which  only  inflames  the  tissues  more  than  before.  When  they  have  ap- 
peared, cut  them  away  with  one  stroke  of  a  sharp  knife.  The  loss  of 
blood  which  follows  will  be  of  advantage  to  the  parts.  Bathe  with  solu- 
tion of  chloride  of  zinc  two  or  three  times  daily.  When  the  inflammation 
has  subsided,  the  fissure  may  be  drawn  together  by  cutting  a  niche, 
about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  deep,  half  or  three-quarters  of  an  inch  from 


Fio.  123. 
Punch  for  closing  eandcrack. 


Fio.  134. 
Clasps  for  sandcrack. 


Fig.  1',T.. 
Pincers  for  closing  sandcrack. 


the  crack  on  each  side,  and  driving  a  flat-horse  nail  through  from  one  to 
tlio  other;  draw  the  ends  togctlier  tight  and  clinch  them  with  pincers 
and  scrape  smooth.  It  should  bo  remembered  that  the  horn  is  thickest 
below  and  becomes  thinner  toward  the  coronet,  so  that  nails  cannot  be 
driven  very  far  up  on  the  foot.  Through  all  the  treatment  keep  the  foot 
dry. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   FEET.  235 

When,  however,  the  fissure  occurs  on  the  side  of  the  foot,  this  treat- 
ment is  inapplicjiblc,  as  the  crust  in  that  part  is  too  thin  to  admit  with 
safety  the  insertion  of  a  nail. 

A  very  simple  and  easily  applied  clasp  for  the  treatment  is  here 
shown  in  Fig.  124.  It  may  bo  obtained,  together  with  the  necessary  ap- 
pliances for  inserting  and  clinching  it,  from  almost  any  surgical  instru- 
ment maker.  The  punch.  Fig.  123,  is  heated  to  redness  and  applied  so 
as  to  burn  a  hole  on  each  side  of  the  crack.  The  clasp.  Fig.  124,  is  then 
taken  in  the  pincers,  Fig.  125,  inserted  in  the  holes,  and  squeezed  to- 
gether until  the  crack  is  closed. 

The  treatment  of  sandcrack,  as  regards  shoeing,  consists  in  removing 
the  shoes  altogether.  When  the  fissure  is  at  the  side,  a  three-quarter 
bar  shoo  may  often  be  beneficially  applied.  Tips  are  an  almost  certain 
remedy  for  sandcrack.  Sandcracks  can  always  be  got  rid  of,  as  long  as 
the  coronary  band  remains  entire;  but  if  by  neglect  the  disease  is  allowed 
to  involve  the  secreting  substance,  false  quarter,  or  a  i)ermanent  separa- 
tion in  the  crust  at  the  quarter,  may  probably  be  the  result. 

Sandcracks  being  more  or  less  constitutional,  are  apt  to  recur. 


FALSE  QUARTER. 

Definition. — When  any  part  of  tlic  coronary  band  is  involved  in 
serious  inflammation,  its  ordinary  secretions  are  necessarily  arrested.  If 
the  inflammation  is  long  continued,  the  vitality  of  the  portion  of  the 
band  affected  becomes  wholly  destroyed.  As  the  crust  is  secreted  from 
the  coronary  band,  it  necessarily  follows  that  there  must  be  a  break,  or 
separation  in  the  crust  immediately  below  the  place  where  the  injury  to 
the  secreting  surface  has  occurred.  This  separation  is  called  false  quar- 
ter.    Fig.  126. 

Etiology. — The  disease  in  the  coronary  band  is  usually  the  result  of 
a  tread,  or  of  quittor,  or  sandcrack,  or  of  any  external  injury  suflicicnt  to 
produce  violent  inflammation  in  the  secreting  substance,  and  consequent 
arrest  or  its  secretien. 

Treatment. — As  the  secreting  surface,  when  once  destroyed,  cannot 
be  restored,  there  is  no  cure,  properly  so  called,  for  false  quarter.  All 
that  can  be  done  is  to  restrict  the  disease  within  the  narrowest  possible 


236 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


limits,  and  in  adopting  such  measures  of  relief  as  may  enable  us  most 
Sjoeedily  to  work  the  animal  again. 

As  the  treatment  of  those  diseases  which  terminate  in  false  quarter 
has  elsewhere  been  given,  we  have  only  to  deal  with  the  result,  namely, 
the  permanent  separation  in  the  crust.  The  earlier  stage  is  usually  ac- 
companied with  lameness,  and  the  horse  must  be  relieved  from  all  work. 
The  detached  portion  of  the  horn  on  the  side  of  the  fissure  must  be  re- 
moved, and  the  fissure  itself  kept  scrupulously  clean;  for  the  admission 
of  dirt  or  gravel  will  jiroduce  irritation  and  delay  the  cure.  If  much  pain 
is  present,  it  is  advisable  to  apply  a  poultice,  says: 

Linseed  meal, 

Bran  aa  oz.  iij 

Boiling  water 1  pint. 

Mix  gradually. 

As  soon  as  the  acute  symptoms  have  subsided,  a  plaster  of  tow  and 
tar  should  be  applied  to  the  fissure,  with  a  view  to  keep  out  the  dirt,  and 


Fig.  126. 
False  Quarter. 


stimulate  the  parts  to  throw  out  new  material.  In  a  few  weeks  the 
lameness  will  probably  subside,  and  with  the  assistance  of  a  three-quarter 
shoe,  which  will  prevent  undue  pressure  and  concussion  on  the  seat  of 
the  disease,  the  horse  may  be  worked  again. 


DISEASES   OF  THE   FEET. 


237 


In  the  course  of  time,  although  the  legitimate  secretion  of  the  coro- 
nary band  is  not  restored,  Nature  will,  from  the  surrounding  parts, 
throw  out  a  species  of  spurious  horn,  which  will  sufficiently  protect  the 
sensitive  parts  immediately  under  the  seat  of  injury,  the  horse  will  be 
again  sound,  for  all  practical  purposes,  and  eventually  the  aid  of  a  three- 
quarter  shoe  may  be  dispensed  with. 


SEEDY  TOE. 

Deflnition. — This  term  is  applied  to  a  separation  of  the  outer  wall  or 
crust  of  the  hoof  from  the  inner  layer  of  soft  horn  derived  from  the  1am- 
inas.  Fig.  127.  It  is  caused  by  an  irregular  and  unhealthy  secretion  of  the 
lower  portion  of  the  laminae,  which  is  incapable  of  maintaining  the  union 
between  the  above-named  structures.  The  disease  always  commences  in 
the  lower  portion   of  the  laminae,  and   extends   upward  and  laterally. 


F;g.  128. 
Hoof  cut  for  cure  of  seedy  toe. 


Thougn  Known  as  seedy  toe,  the  disease  frequently  affects  the  quarters, 
and,  more  rarely,  other  parts  of  the  circumference  of  the  foot. 

Etiology. — Seedy  toe  is  often  a  result  of  laminitis.  At  other  times 
it  may  be  caused  by  the  pressure  of  the  clip  of  the  shoe.  In  some  cases 
it  is  due  to  constitutional  causes.  After  the  separation  has  taken  place, 
the  disease  is  easily  aggravated  by  dirt  or  gravel  getting  into  the  hollow 
so  formed.  Lameness  is  not  usually  j^resent  until  the  disease  has  run  to 
a  very  considerable  extent  upward.  When  any  considerable  degree  of 
separation  has  taken  place,  a  hollow  sound  will  be  emitted  on  percussion. 

Treatment. — All  that  portion  of  the  crust  which  has  become  de- 
tached from  the  laminae  must  be  cut  away  with  the  knife;  and  if  the  disease 


238  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGEKY. 

shows  signs  of  extending,  such  further  portions  as  may  be  necessary  must 
be  cut  away,  until  the  line  of  union  between  the  crust  and  inner  layer  is 
smooth  and  undivided.  Fig.  128.  A  bar  shoe,  without  a  toe  clip,  should 
be  applied,  with  a  view  to  relieve  the  anterior  portion  of  the  foot.  Rub 
an  ointment  of: 

Cantharides §  ss. 

Lard » 3  vi. 

into  the  coronet  every  second  or  third  day,  and  every  day  cover  the  newly 
exposed  surface  with  an  ointment  of: 

Lard, 

Turpentine aa^  viij. 

Beeswax §  ij. 

Melt  the  lard  and  wax,  and  stir  in  the  turpentine. 

This  will  protect  it  from  moisture.  Keep  the  foot  dry.  It  may  take  two 
or  three  months  for  the  hoof  to  become  perfect.  During  this  time  feed 
the  horse  liberally. 


THRUSH. 

Synonym , — Frush. 

Definition. — Thrush  is  a  disease  of  the  frog,  generally  of  the  hind 
feet,  accompanied  by  a  foul  discharge  through  its  horny  covering.  As 
the  disease  advances,  fissures  occur  in  the  side  of  the  frog  close  to  the  heel, 
from  which  a  foetid  matter  exudes. 

Etiology. — It  is  commonly  due  to  dirt  of  some  kind;  wet  unclean 
stalls,  obliging  the  horse  to  stand  in  his  own  manure,  are  the  most  frequent 
causes  of  this  disease,  which  is,  therefore,  a  disgrace  to  the  horse  owner. 
It  may  also  be  caused  by  tlie  filthy  and  wholly  inexcusable  practice  of 
stopping  the  feet  with  cow  dung  or  other  filthy  substances.  Sometimes,  f 
in  feet  which  have  been  for  some  time  affected  with  navicular  disease,  a 
similar  effect  is  produced  on  the  frog;  because  the  horse,  on  account  of 
the  disease,  the  seat  of  which  is  immediately  above  the  frog,  saves  as  much 
as  possible  that  portion  of  his  feet,  and  treads  on  his  toes.  It  is,  however, 
asignular  fact  that  this  effect  on  the  frog  is  not  often  found  in  the 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FEET.  239 

earlier  stage  of  navicular  disease.  Again,  in  contracted  feet,  the  sole  is 
generally  so  much  recessed  that  the  frog  hardly  ever  comes  to  the  ground, 
and  hence,  from  want  of  use,  it  becomes  diseased. 

Paring  of  the  frog,  independent  of  its  injurious  effect  in  removing 
the  frog  from  pressure,  has  also  a  further  tendency  to  produce  disease. 

Symptoms. — Foul  smell  and  slight  lameness. 

Treatment. — In  the  treatment  of  those  cases  which  originate  in  dirt 
and  wet,  first  remove  the  cause  and  keep  the  frog  scrupulously  clean  and 
dry.  Any  ragged  or  partially  detached  parts  should  be  removed  with  a 
knife  so  as  to  open  the  cracks  in  and  around  the  frog. 

Having  removed  the  cause,  endeavor  to  absorb  the  discharge.  This 
is  essential,  because  the  discharge  is  of  an  acrid  nature,  and  has  in  itself  a 
tendency  to  cause  disintegration  of  the  structure.  The  absorption  of  the 
discharge  will  be  best  effected  by  inserting  pledgets  of  tow,  greased  with 
an  ointment  of  calomel: 

Chloride  of  mercury 3  i. 

Lard §  i. 

in  the  cleft.  The  process  of  drying  may  also  be  assisted  by  the  applica- 
tion of: 

Sulphate  of  zinc 3  iv. 

Water 1  pint 

or  powdered  burnt  alum.  The  crust  at  the  heels  should  be  bound  so  as 
to  bring  constant  pressure  upon  the  frog.     Keep  the  foot  dry. 

"When  the  disease  has  its  origin  in  navicular  disease,  grease,  or  some 
habit  of  body,  little  more  can  be  done  than  to  keep  the  frog  scrupulously 
clean,  and  to  dry  up  the  discharge  with  the  astringents,  etc.,  just  de- 
scribed, as  soon  as  it  appears. 

If  thrush  is  long  neglected,  the  neighboring  parts  become  affected, 
and  in  bad  cases  the  whole  of  the  sensitive  sole  is  involved.  The  sole  is 
then  said  to  be  "  under-run;  "  or,  in  other  words,  the  unhealthy  secretion, 
being  greatly  increased  and  unable  to  find  sufficient  exit  through  the  in- 
sensitive frog,  burrows  between  the  sensitive  and  insensitive  sole.  The 
disease,  if  still  further  neglected,  may  run  into  canker.  The  treatment 
of  serious  cases  of  neglected  or  chronic  thrush  is  nearly  similar  to  that- 
required  in  canker. 


240  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGERY. 


CANKER. 

Definition. — Canker  is  a  morbid  secretion  of  the  sensitive  frog  and 
sole,  involving,  of  course,  the  corresponding  insensitive  parts. 

Etiology. — This  formidable  disease  usually  has  its  origin  in  neglected 
thrush,  but  it  may  be  due  to  constitutional  causes.  It  is  not  common  in 
this  country. 

Symptoms. — Williams  says:  The  characteristic  symptoms  of  the 
disease  are  strongly  marked,  and  consist  of  an  abundant  foetid,  colorless 
discharge  from  the  frog,  which  is  large,  spongy,  and  covered  by  pallid, 
stringy  prominences  of  a  fungoid  nature,  intermixed  with  offensive 
smelling,  semi-dried,  cheesy  masses  of  matter,  composed  of  imperfect 
horn  cells. 

It  seems  as  if  the  various  constituents  of  the  horn  were  in  an  uncom- 
bined  state;  the  sulphur,  which  is  a  natural  constituent,  being  secreted 
as  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  giving  the  characteristic  foetor  to  the  whole 
secreted  mass;  horny  matter  imperfect,  and  floating  in  an  abun- 
dant liquid  material;  the  secreting  villi  enlarged,  scantily  covered  by  a 
thin  pellicle  of  horn,  giving  them  superficially  a  v/hite  appearance,  whilst 
underneath  they  are  turgid,  congested,  and  humid. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  canker  consists  in  the  complete  ex- 
posure of  the  diseased  surface,  in  the  application  of  pressure,  and  in 
thorough  dryness. 

The  whole,  not  merely  the  diseased  portion,  but  the  whole  of  the  in- 
sensitive sole,  must  be  removed.  When  this  has  been  thoroughly  and  effec- 
tively done,  the  whole  of  the  exposed  surface  must  be  dressed  with  nitric 
acid.  The  sole  must  then  be  firmly  packed  with  dry  tow,  secured  with 
a  bandage,  and  the  foot  inclosed  in  a  leathern  boot.  This  will  give 
the  necessary  pressure.  To  prevent  excessive  bleeding,  from  the  removal 
of  the  sole,  a  tourniquet  should  be  applied  to  the  fetlock.  The  foot, 
bedding,  and  stall  must  be  kept  scrupulously  dry. 

After  two  days  the  dressing  should  be  removed.  In  favorable  cases, 
the  whole  of  the  exposed  surface  of  the  foot  will  present  a  healthy  apj^ear- 
ance,  and  will  gradually  become  covered  with  good  horn,  and  no  further 
treatment  will  be  required  beyond  cleanliness,  dryness,  mild  astringents, 
and  moderately  firm  pressure  and  bandages.  For  at  least  a  week  after 
the  ojieration,  the  horse  should  stand  without  shoes.     But  as  soon  as  the 


DISEASES   OF  THE   FEET.  241 

feefc  are  able  to  bear  shoes,  they  should  be  applied,  as  it  is  much  easier  to 
dress  the  feet  with  shoes  on. 

But  the  more  aggravated  cases  will  continue  to  present  fungoid  ele- 
vations and  morbid  secretions,  and  will  require  repeated  dressings  with 
powerful  caustics.  The  dressing  should  be  changed  every  day,  as  after 
a  few  applications  the  same  remedy  seems  to  lose  it  effect.  Chromic,  sul- 
phuric, and  other  acids  may  be  used  in  turn.  The  following  are  also 
recommended: 

Caustic  chloride  of  mercury . . . .  §  ss. 

Hydrochloric  acid trix. 

Alcohol ,  I  iv. 

Or, 

Tar liv. 

Nitric  acid .sufficient. 

Pour  the  acid  on  the  tar  and  stir  rapidly  until  well  mixed  and  effervescence  is 
complete. 

Or,  sulphuric  acid  may  be  substituted  for  the  nitric  acid. 

Care,  however,  must  be  taken  not  to  continue  the  use  of  strong 
caustics  too  long,  or  the  whole  sensitive  sole  will  be  destroyed  and  necro- 
sis of  the  bones  induced,  followed  by  great  sloughing,  and  perhaps  the 
death  of  the  patient.  After  a  time,  therefore,  instead  of  the  above, 
burnt  alum,  sulphate  of  copper,  terchloride  of  iron,  chloride  of  zinc, 
sulphate  of  iron,  logwood,  and  other  astringents,  may  be  tried.  Carbo- 
lic acid  may  also  be  used.  Most  cases  improve  under  firm  pressure,  but 
in  others  long-continued  pressure  seems  to  stimulate  the  diseased  action 
and  the  growth  of  fungus.  It  is  scarcely  possible  to  lay  down  a  positive 
rule.  The  symptoms  of  each  case  must  be  carefully  watched  and  treat- 
ment applied  accordingly.  In  all  cases,  except  for  the  first  two  days, 
the  dressing  should  be  removed  daily. 

The  general  health  must  be  carefully  attended  to.     A  purgative: 

Aloes 3  vi. 

Ginger 3  ij- 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses. aa  sufficient 

or  a  diuretic: 
16 


242  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGERY. 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

In  water  twice  daily. 

will  probably  be  beneficial  in  the  first  instance,  followed  after  a  time  by 
tonics,  as  sulphate  of  iron  or  quinine.  Good  dry  food,  fresh  air,  great 
cleanliness,  and  a  dry  stable  and  bedding  are  essential. 


NAVICULAR  DISEASE. 

Synonym. — Navicular  arthritis. 

Definition. — Navicular  disease,  in  its  primary  stage,  is  inflammation 
of  the  lower  side  of  the  navicular  bone.  After  a  time  the  neighboring 
parts,  viz.,  the  perforans  tendon  which  passes  under  the  bone,  and  its 
cartilage  and  bursa  become  involved. 

Etiology. — Navicular  disease  is  commonly  due  to  the  effect  of  con- 
cussion; more  rarely  to  nails,  stones,  etc.,  picked  up  by  the  foot. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  navicular  bone  acts  as  a  roller  for  the 
passage  of  the  perforans  tendon,  which  passes  under  it  and  is  attached 
to  the  coflSn  bone.  Hence  the  navicular  bone  is  peculiarly  liable  to  suf- 
fer from  the  effect  of  concussion. 

Navicular  disease  occurs  most  frequently  in  feet  with  narrow  and 
high  heel.     It  rarely  affects  the  hind  feet. 

The  primary  disease  is  inflammation  of  the  navicular  bone.  The 
parts  subsequently  involved  are  the  cartilage  covering  its  inferior  surface, 
the  synovial  membrane,  the  bursa  of  the  tendon  (flexor  pedis  perforans) 
passing  under  the  bone,  and  ultimately  the  tendon  itself.  This  tendon 
passes  under  the  bone,  as  a  rope  under  a  pulley. 

The  inflammation  which  has  been  set  up  in  the  bone,  leads  to  u  vari- 
ety of  changes,  both  in  its  external  and  internal  structure.  In  some 
cases  the  bone  gradually  wastes  away  until  at  last  it  becomes  liable  to 
fracture  from  any  trivial  cause.  In  other  cases,  an  ossific  deposit  takes 
place  upon  the  outside  of  the  bone.  This  deposit  limits  the  free  play  of 
the  tendon,  which  gradually  adheres  to  the  bone,  and  its  bursa  becomes 
absorbed.  In  other  cases,  the  fibres  of  the  tendon  split  up,  sometimes 
from  friction  against  the  roughened  surface  of  the  diseased  bone,  but 
n^.ore  frequently  as  the  result  of  degeneration  caused  by  inflammatory 


DISEASES    OF   THE    FEET.  243 

action  which  has  extended  to  it  from  the  bone.  Ultimately  the  tendon 
may  give  way  altogether. 

Symptoms. — Lameness  may  appear  suddenly,  and  without  any  ap- 
parent cause.  It  may  disappear  and  after  a  time  reappear,  either  in  the 
same  or  in  the  other  foot,  and  thus  go  on  for  some  time.  This  occurs  as 
a  rule  when  the  disease  is  due  to  rheumatism.  In  time  the  symptoms 
become  more  marked,  and,  in  most  cases,  the  first  is  pointing  of  the  foot 
in  the  stable,  also  when  at  rest  outside,  followed  by  shortness  in  the  step 
and  lameness.  The  foot  and  the  horse  may  be  examined,  and  nothing 
wrong  be  found.  Probably  the  next  day  the  animal  may  be  apparently 
sound.  But  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  the  symptoms  reappear  andnsu- 
ally  are  more  marked  than  at  first. 

Pointing  in  the  stable  is  common  with  many  horses  as  an  act  of  rest, 
or  as  a  mere  matter  of  habit.  When,  however,  pointing  arises  either 
from  habit,  or  as  an  act  of  rest,  the  animal  stands  squarely  upon  one 
fore-foot  and  allows  the  other  to  take  a  semi-flexed  position  in  a  careless, 
lounging  way;  but  he  points  two  feet  simultaneously;  namely,  one  fore 
and  the  other  hind  foot  of  the  opposite  side.  In  navicular  disease,  how- 
ever, a  fore-foot  or  feet  only  are  pointed;  there  is  no  corresponding  rest- 
ing of  the  hind  limb. 

The  above  signs  may  leads  us  to  suspect  navicular  disease  as  the  cause 
of  lameness.  But  the  strongest  indication  of  the  disease  lies  in  the  ab- 
sence of  any  observable  cause,  such  as  external  injury  or  heat,  sufficient 
otherwise  to  account  for  the  lameness.  The  fact  of  intermittent  lame- 
ness in  the  earlier  stage,  and  of  persistent  lameness  in  the  latter  stage, 
without  any  external  symptoms  sufficient  to  account  for  it,  are  the 
strongest  indications  that  the  disease  is  in  the  navicular  bone. 

The  symptoms  of  lameness  are  evidently  those  of  foot  lameness.  If 
laminitis  be  present,  there  will  be  heat  and  tenderness,  and  the  animal 
will  travel  more  or  less  on  its  heels.  If  a  corn  be  the  cause,  its  presence 
is  easily  detected.  In  fact,  in  nearly  every  other  form  of  disease,  there 
are  external  signs  which  will  at  once  point  to  its  cause.  But  in  navicu- 
lar disease,  if  we  except  occasional  heat  and  tenderness  in  the  hollow  of 
the  heel,  or  redness  of  the  frog  and  sole  immediately  below  the  navicular 
bursa,  there  is  no  external  sign.  Even  the  redness  of  the  frog  and 
sole,  now  and  then  met  with,  is  not  always  to  be  depended  upon  as  a  sign 
of  navicular  disease,  as  it  may  arise  from  external  injury,  such  as  tread- 
ing on  a  stone,  and  may  be  superficial  only. 


244  VETEKINAEY   MEDICINE    AND    SUKGERY. 

In  the  more  advanced  stage,  the  horse  will  often  come  out  of  his  stable 
stiff  and  lame  after  an  interval  of  rest.  He  may  scarcely  be  able  to  put 
his  foot  to  the  ground,  but  after  he  has  been  exercised  a  short  time,  the 
great  lameness  will  disappear,  especially  if  the  ground  be  soft.  This  is 
very  characteristic  of  the  disease. 

From  the  above  it  will  be  seen  that  the  symptoms  of  navicular  disease 
are  negative  rather  than  positive.  If  the  signs  of  the  lameness  are  those 
of  foot  lameness,  and  if,  after  due  examination,  no  other  adequate  cause 
can  be  discovered,  we  have  reason  to  suspect  navicular  disease. 

In  all  cases  of  long  standing,  the  foot  or  feet  become  contracted.  In 
some  cases  the  atrophy  extends  to  the  muscles  of  the  shoulders  and  fore- 
arm. This  wasting  away  is  due  simply  to  the  decreased  use  which  the 
horse  makes  of  his  fore-hand  in  action,  on  account  of  the  disease  existing 
in  his  fore-feet. 

Treatment. — The  shoes  should  be  removed,  the  frogs  allowed  to 
touch  the  ground^  and  blood  taken  from  the  toe  or  coronary  plexus.  The 
feet  should  be  placed  in  a  cold-water  bath  for  some  hours  during  the  day, 
and  in  a  poultice  at  night: 

Ground  linseed §  iv. 

Olive  oil |ss. 

Boiling  water i  pint. 

Mix  the  meal  gradually  with  the  water,  and  then  add  the  oil,  stirring. 

During  the  time  the  feet  are  in  the  bath,  the  horse's  head  must  be  tied 
up,  but  at  other  times  he  should  be  encouraged  to  lie  down  by  keeping 
him  in  a  well-ventilated,  dark  stall,  with  the  view  to  take  the  weight  off 
the  feet.  This  method  of  treatment,  with  an  occasional  purgative  and  a 
cooling  diet,  has  proved  most  successful.  At  the  end  of  a  fortnight, 
whether  the  lameness  be  removed  or  not,  a  mild  blister  around  the  coro 
net  will  be  beneficial,  as: 

Biniodide  of  mercury 3  ss. 

Lard 1  i. 

Mix  intimately. 

If  these  remedies  prove  ineffectual,  a  seton  must  be  passed  through 
the  frog.  After  the  seton  has  been  introduced,  the  shoes  should  be 
lightly  tacked  on,  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  the  now  inflamed  frog  from 


DESCRIPTION   OF  PLATE  IV. 

LAMINITIS  OR  FEVER  IN  THE  FEET.    (Percival.) 

A  longitudinal  section  has,  in  this  Plate,  been  made  of  the  near  fore  foot 

from  the  fetlock  downwards. 
It  will  be  observed  that  the  cofl&n-bone  (a),  which,  had  it  been  in  its 
normal  or  natural  position,  would  have  lain  slanting  parallel  to,  as 
well  as  in  close  apposition  with,  the  wall  of  the  hoof  {b,  c),  has  its 
too  (d),  instead  of  being  advanced  to  c,  descending  and  resting 
upon  the  middle  of  the  sole,  which,  from  the  pressure  of  it,  has 
bulged  (at  d),  or,  as  farriers  say,  become  pumice. 
The  dislocation  or  tilting  of  the  coflQn-bone  upon  the  sole,  necessarily 
causes  a  space  within  the  foot  between  it  and  the  wall  of  the  hoof 
{e,  f).  This,  we  find,  becomes  filled  up  with  a  sort  of  callus, 
which  in  the  course  of  time  undergoes  a  gradual  transformation 
into  horny  substance:  as  is  intended  to  be  shown  by  the  yellow  tint 
the  drawing  exhibits  in  the  middle  portions  of  the  callus. 

g,  Section  of  the  pastern  bone. 

li,  Section  of  the  coronet  bone. 

k.  Section  of  the  posterior  parts  of  the  foot. 

*  i  i.  Sections  of  the  tendons. 


PLATE  IV. 


^H,>.)L'c'lLc'n   olicHfiucj    I  tic  r)ca[   aixd  inlcinaL  akKcatanci 

CM     AaiULUiUo. 


.BENCKE,  LITH 


DISRASE8    OF   THE    FELT.  245 

pressure.  The  seton  should  be  dressed  daily  and  allowed  to  remain  for 
about  three  weeks  or  a  month.  The  foot  must  be  kept  clean.  After  the 
seton  is  removed,  the  frog  must  be  examined.  It  will  usually  be  found 
to  be  under-run  between  the  two  orifices  by  purulent  matter.  The  de- 
tached horn  must  be  removed  and  the  exposed  part  dressed  with  tar. 

If  structural  changes  have  not  taken  place,  this  plan  of  treatment  will 
usually  be  found  effective;  but  if  the  lameness  continues  after  a  month 
has  elapsed  from  the  date  of  the  removal  of  the  seton,  further  treatment 
will  be  useless.  The  animal  may  be  fit  for  easy  work.  As  a  rule,  the 
disease  will  increase  and  in  time  render  the  horse  useless. 

The  pain,  however,  though  not  the  disease,  may  be  removed  by  neu- 
rotomy. Under  the  influence  of  this  operation  the  animal  may  go  with- 
out lameness  for  some  time.  But  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  disease 
is  not  removed  by  the  operation.  The  usual  result  is  that  the  hoof  de. 
cays  and  falls  off. 

Neurotomy,  or  the  division  of  the  nerve  leading  to  the  back  part  of 
the  foot,  is  useful  in  destroying  the  pain  which  arises  from  navicular  dis- 
ease. The  operation  is  very  simple,  but  should  only  be  performed  by  one 
who  has  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  parts  and  of  surgical  operations. 

It  may  be  applied  when  the  foot  or  feet  are  good  and  strong,  and 
where  the  action  is  not  extravagant.  It  will  prove  injurious  where  the 
feet  are  thin  or  weak  at  the  heels,  or  whei*e  the  soles  are  full  or  the  action 
is  high.  In  such  eases,  fever  in  the  feet  will  probably  ensue,  as  the 
horse,  being  relieved  of  all  sensibility  in  his  feet,  will  indulge  in  freer 
action  than  is  good  for  the  health  of  a  weak  structure. 

In  favorable  cases,  the  horse  may  go  without  lameness  for  some  time, 
but  in  the  end  the  increase  of  the  disease  will  cause  a  complete  break- 
down of  the  foot. 

Horses  which  have  been  unnerved  are  obviously  unsafe  off  a  level  road 
for  some  time. 


LAMINmS. 
(see  plate  IV.) 

Synonyms. — Founder;  Fever  in  the  feet;  Inflammation  of  the  feet. 
Defiuition. — Laminitis  is  in  its  simple  form  inflammation  of  the  sen- 
sitive laminae  which  cover  the  outer  and  upper  surface  of  the  pedal  bone. 


246  VETERINARY   MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 

They  consist  of  five  or  six  hundred  very  fine  folds,  and  are  profusely  sup- 
plied with  blood-vessels  and  nerves.  The  original  attack  is  always  acute. 
It  may  be  entirely  relieved  and  no  ill-effects  remain.  But  often  a  change 
of  structure  results  from  the  effects  of  the  :«cute  attack.  This  after-result 
is  known  as  chronic  laminitis.  Horses  suffering  from  it  are  subject  to 
recurrence  of  the  acute  disease.  Laminitis  is  very  painful,  and  the  lame- 
ness is  excessive.  The  pain  is  due  to  confinement  of  the  products  effused 
by  the  inflammation  within  the  outer  hard,  unyielding  case  of  the  foot, 
and  the  pressure  thereby  caused  on  the  sensitive  structures  of  the  inte- 
rior.    The  seat  of  the  disease  is  in  the  anterior  portion  of  the  foot. 

Etiology. — The  immediate  cause,  most  frequently,  is  concussion. 
The  fore-feet  are  more  often  affected  than  the  hind,  because  concussion 
is  most  severely  felt  in  them.  Excitement,  over-exertion,  and  indiges- 
tion are  also  frequent  causes.  The  disease,  however,  in  many  cases  is 
due  to  metastasis,  or  the  sudden  shifting  of  inflammation  existing  in 
some  other  organ  of  the  body,  to  the  feet.  Long  and  fast  driving  on' 
hard  roads,  especially  after  a  period  of  comparative  idleness,  conduces  to 
the  disease. 

Both  feet,  either  hind  or  fore,  are  usually  affected.  Similar  causes 
generally  affect  both  feet,  and  therefore  produce  similar  results.  Some- 
times all  four  feet  are  affected.  When  one  foot  only  is  affected,  the 
cause  is  generally  some  injury  of  the  opposite  foot,  which  has  led  the 
horse  to  throw  all  the  weight  on  the  previously  sound  foot. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  laminitis  are  very  marked.  The  at- 
tack occurs  very  suddenly.  The  horse  can  hardly  be  got  to  move.  He 
seems  as  if  all  his  body  were  cramped. 

There  is  heat  in  the  feet  affected.  As  the  seat  of  the  disease  is  in  the 
anterior  portion  of  the  feet,  the  animal  will  save  that  portion  of  his  feet 
as  much  as  possible,  and  will  throw  his  weight  on  his  heels.  The  dis- 
ease is  intensely  painful.  On  account  of  the  pain  the  pulse  is  always 
accelerated. 

If  the  two  fore-feet  only  are  affected,  the  hind  legs  will  be  drawn 
under  the  belly,  and  the  fore-feet  advanced  so  as  to  take  the  weight  off 
them  as  much  as  possible.  If  the  two  hind  feet  only  are  affected,  he 
will  stand  with  his  fore-feet  back  under  his  body  and  his  hind  feet 
brought  forward,  so  as  to  throw  the  weight  upon  the  heels.  If  all  four 
feet  are  affected,  the  symptoms  will  be  a  combination  of  the  above. 
Dick  says,  to  diagnosticate  a  case  quickly,  the  best  method  is  to  push 


DISEASES    OF   THE    FEET.  24:7 

the  animal  backward,  when  it  will  be  seen  at  once  that  he  will  elevate 
his  toes  and  throw  his  weight  upon  the  heels.  The  pulse  of  lamini- 
tis  is  full,  strong,  and  accelerated. 

Treatment. — First  endeavor  to  relieve  the  local  inflamniatian  exist- 
ing within  the  feet.  Mild  purgatives  should  be  given,  and  if  the  bowels 
are  torpid,  injections  of  warm  water  should  be  administered.  But 
powerful  medicines  will  do  serious  mischief,  on  account  of  the  irritability 
of  the  system  in  this  disease. 

On  no  account  give  strong  cathartics,  especially  aloes,  as  we  should 
avoid  irritating  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestines.  Give  a  pint 
of  linseed  oil,  and  assist  the  effect  with  an  injection  or  two  of  warm  water 
(100°  F.).  If  there  is  purgation  already,  or  if  the  faeces  are  covered 
with  mucus — a  condition  which  indicates  irritation — give  no  aperient. 
In  the  case  of  diarrhoea,  do  not  give  astringents,  as  the  purging  is  but 
an  effort  of  nature  to  remove  the  cause  of  irritation.  Kemove  the  shoes 
and  rasp  the  wall  level  with  the  sole,  so  as  to  allow  the  latter  structure 
and  the  frog  to  bear  the  weight.  On  no  account  pare  the  sole.  Give 
the  horse  plenty  of  water  to  drink,  and  put  him  on  laxative  food.  If 
the  pain  be  very  excessive,  give  two  ounces  of  tincture  of  oj^ium,  but  do 
not  do  so  if  its  use  can  be  dispensed  with,  because  it  is  best  to  keep  up 
a  loose  condition  of  the  bowels.  In  any  case  give  two  ounces  of  the  bi- 
carbonate of  sodium  twice  a  day  in  the  food,  and  if  the  fever  be  high, 
with  a  quick,  full,  and  hard  pulse,  give  the  following  drench  : 

Fleming's  tincture  of  aconite gtt.  vij. 

Water 1  pint. 

This  may  be  repeated  once  or  twice,  with  intervals  of  three  or  four 
hours,  as  indicated  by  the  pulse.  The  soda  has  a  most  soothing  effect 
on  the  mucous  membrane,  while  the  aconite  is  a  sedative  to  the  heart. 
If  ther^be  great  heat  in  the  feet  and  throbbing  of  the  plantar  arteries, 
bleed  from  the  coronary  plexus  at  three  or  four  points;  this  may  easily 
be  done  by  puncturing  the  coronet  obliquely  with  a  lancet  or  penknife. 
Do  not  bleed  from  the  toe,  for  doing  so  will  expose  the  inflamed  parts  to 
the  action  of  the  air,  and  suppuration  with  the  formation  of  matter  (pus) 
may  be  the  result.  By  bleeding  from  the  coronary  plexus,  a  local  effect 
is  obtained  without  weakening  the  whole  system,  as  would  be  the  case 
were  the  jugular  vein  opened.     Keep  the  feet  for  a  considerable  time  in 


248  VETEKINAEY    MEDICINE   AND   SUEGERY. 

a  tub  of  warm  water,  and  apply  poultices  for  a  few  days.  Allow  the 
horse  to  lie  down  as  much  as  possible;  if  he  will  not  do  so  of  his  own  ac- 
cord, throw  him  gently.  The  advisability  of  this  is  shown  by  the  pulse, 
after  the  horse  is  down,  always  falling  in  a  most  marked  manner. 

The  diet,  if  possible,  should  be  grass;  or,  if  grass  cannot  be  obtained, 
bran  mashes.  An  extra  substantial  bed  of  old  litter  is  essential.  Na- 
ture must  do  the  rest. 

In  favorable  cases,  that  is,  where  the  inflammation  is  not  very  severe, 
and  its  effused  products  are  taken  up  by  the  aborbents,  there  will  be  no 
structural  alteration,  and  in  due  course  the  horse  will  be  sound  again, 
though  always  more  or  less  liable  to  recurrence  of  the  disease. 

But  in  unfavorable  cases,  there  will  be  an  alteration  of  structure, 
and  the  result  will  be  chronic  laminitis. 

The  alteration  of  structure  caused  by  the  inflammation  usually  con- 
sists of  a  separation  between  the  sensitive  and  insensitive  laminae  and  is 
termed  chronic  laminitis.  In  consequence  of  this  loosening  of  attach- 
ment, the  anterior  point  of  the  cofiin  bone  descends  and  presses  on  the 
sole.  The  sole  being  pressed  upon,  also  descends  and  loses  its  concave 
shape,  and  becomes  convex  and  weak.  The  anterior  j)ortion  of  the 
crust,  having  in  some  measure  lost  its  attachment,  becomes  weak  and 
bulges  out  anteriorly.  There  is  a  large  mass  of  .imperfectly  formed  horn 
at  the  toe. 

Treatment. — The  frog  and  sole  should  remain  untouched  by  the 
knife,  and  the  crust  filed  down  so  as  to  produce  a  flat  foot,  bringing 
the  pressure  on  the  sole  as  well  as  the  crust.  Pressure  on  the  frog  is 
also  most  essential. 

A  little  cantharides  ointment: 

Cantharides §  ss. 

Lard 5  vi. 

may  be  rubbed  into  the  coronet  every  four  or  five  days,  to  stimulate  in- 
creased growth  of  horn. 

Let  the  animal  stand  on  something  soft  in  his  stall — spent  tan,  straw, 
etc. 


DISEASES    OF   THE   FEET.  249 


SIDEBONES. 

Synonym. — Ossified  cartilages. 

Definition. — This  disease,  otherwise  known  as  Sidehones,  consists  in 
ossification  of  the  elastic  lateral  cartilages  or  wings  of  the  bone  of  the 
foot,  Fig.  129.  Nature  has  substituted  cartilage  for  bone  in  this  part  in 
order  to  give  greater  elasticity  towards  the  heels.  Any  alteration  in  this 
structure,  such  as  its  conversion  into  bone,  must  interfere  with  the  elas- 
ticity of  the  tread,  though  it  may  not  occasion  positive  lameness.     The 


Fig.  129. 
Ossification  of  the  Lateral  CartUages— Sidebonea. 


bony  deposit  may,  however,  be  so  extensive  as  to  materially  alter  the  shape 
of  the  coffin  bone;  and  in  such  cases  lameness  will  be  the  inevitable 
result. 

Heavy  coarse  cart  horses  are  most  subject  to  this  disease,  and  in  them 
the  deposit  is  often  very  large.  In  light  horses  it  seldom  becomes  so  large 
as  to  be  visible  to  the  eye.  The  change  in  structure,  however,  is  easily 
ascertained  by  feeling  the  wings  of  the  bone  of  the  foot.  If  they  are 
affected  with  ossification,  they  will  be  hard  and  immovable  instead  of 
elastic. 

Etiology. — Sidebones  are  generally  supposed  to  be  the  result  of 
inflammation  set  up  in  the  lateral  cartilages  by  excessive  concussion  or  by 
an  accidental  blow,  wound,  or  tread.  The  tendency  of  cartilaginous 
structures  under  the  influence  of  inflammation  to  become  absorbed  and 
replaced  by  bone  has  been  already  noticed. 

It  is  probable,  however,  that  they  also  frequently  arise  from  the  practice 


250 


VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    6DKGERY. 


of  slioeing  heavy  draft  horses  with  large  calks,  which  prevent  the  heels 
from  coming  to  the  ground  and  thereby  deprive  them  of  their  natural 
elastic  motion  at  each  tread.  When  a  part  intended  by  nature  for  motion 
is  long  deprived  of  that  action,  we  frequently  find  that  it  becomes  solid- 
ified.    This  result  is  often  found  in  joints,  when  long  deprived  of  motion. 

Others,  however,  whilst  agreeing  that  high  calkings  are  a  frequent 
jiredisposing  cause,  think  that  they  produce  their  injurious  effect  by  caus- 
ing undue  pressure  and  concussion  on  the  back  of  the  foot  and  hence  excite 
inflammation  in  the  part. 

Sidebones,  in  common  with  exostoses  in  other  parts,  sometimes  have 
their  origin  in  hereditary  predisposition. 

Symptoms. — A  hard  swelling  at  the  back  of  the  coronet  and  heels. 
Mayliew  gives  the  accompanying  illustration  of  his  method  of  testing  for 
sidebones.  Fig.  130.     "  When  the  hand  thus  grasps  and  forcibly  presses 


Fig.  130. 
Mayhew's  test  for  Sidebones. 

the  part,  instead  of  feeling  the  substances  under  them  yield,  the  hand  is 
sensible  of  something  hard  as  stone,  or  approaching  it.  This  being 
proof  i^ositive  the  cartilages  are  ossified,  or  becoming  so." 

There  is  no  cure.     If  the  cartilages  are  still  undergoing  change,  blister 
the  coronet  with  ointment  of  cantharides: 


Cantharides  in  powder §  ss. 

Lard ...  5  iij. 

Digest  in  a  water  bath  (a  tin  kettle,  which  will  set  inside  of  a  larger  one  partly 
filled  with  water,  wiU  answer)  for  two  or  more  hours,  and  filter  whUe  hot  through 
blotting  paper.    Use  when  cold. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    FEET.  251 

This  will  hasten  the  inflammatory  process,  and  as  soon  as  the  change  in 
the  structure  of  the  cartilage  is  complete,  the  lameness  will  cease.  The 
elasticity  of  the  step  will  be  lost,  and  the  gait  become  stiff  and  unnatural. 
Let  the  animal  rest  as  much  as  possible  until  the  inflammation  has 
entirely  subsided. 

TREAD. 

Synonym.— Calking. 

Definition. — Tread  is  an  injury  of  the  coronet  of  the  foot. 

Etiology.  —Most  common  with  heavy  work  horses,  and  usually  occurs 
in  the  hind  feet,  and  during  cold  weather,  when  the  horses  are  shod  with 
sharp  heel  calks.  Generally  inflicted  by  the  shoe  of  the  other  foot  in 
turning,  backing,  or  shying,  and,  very  rarely,  by  a  tramp  from  another 
horse. 

Treatment. — If  the  bleeding  is  excessive,  it  may  be  stopped  by  band- 
aging with  a  rag  soaked  in: 

Tincture  of  chloride  of  iron 3  i. 

Water |  i. 

Afterward  wash  clean  and  treat  as  for  over-reach. 


OVER-REACH. 

Etiology. — Over-reach  is  a  wound  of  the  heel  of  the  fore-foot, 
usually  made  by  a  blow  struck  by  the  inner  edges  of  the  toe  of  the  hind 
shoe. 

Treatment. — Eemove  any  jagged  ends  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  apply 
tincture  of  myrrh  or  tincture  of  arnica;  keep  dry,  and  generally  the 
wound  will  soon  heel.  If,  however,  the  heel  is  badly  bruised,  after 
paring  the  lower  ends,  bathe  it  three  times  a  day  with: 

Chloride  of  zinc gr.  i. 

Water |  i. 

As  quittor  is  a  possible  sequence  of  an  over-reach,  it  should  never  be 
neglected. 


CHAPTEE  XI. 

GENERAL,   CONTAGIOUS,   AND  ENZOOTIC   DISEASES. 

Influenza,  Pink  Eye,  Catarrhal  Fever,  Epizootic  Catarrh,  Horse  Distemper, 
Horse  Sickness,  Febris  Pyogenica,  Colt  Distemper,  Colt  III,  Strangles,  Glan- 
ders, Farcy,  Equina,  Erysipelas,  Purpura  Hemorrhagica,  Spotted  Fever, 
Scarlatina,  Scarlet  Fever,  Rheumatism,  Dropsy,  Ascites,  CEdema,  Hydro- 
thorax. 

INFLUENZA. 

Synonyms. — Pink  eye;  Catarrhal  fever;  Epizootic  catarrh;  Horse 
distemper;  Horse  sickness. 

Definition. — Influenza  is  an  epizootic  febrile  disease,  accompanied 
by  loss  of  appetite,  great  prostration  of  strength,  and  often  complicated 
with- disease  of  the  liver,  lungs,  and  mucous  membranes  generally,  and 
sometimes  with  affections  of  the  heart.  In  all  cases  the  nervous  system 
is  affected  to  a  great  extent,  and  indeed,  most  of  the  more  prominent 
symptoms  may  be  regarded  mainly  as  results  of  depression  of  the  nervous 
centres.  The  cause  of  this  depression  is  the  presence  of  a  specific  poison 
in  the  blood.  The  respiratory  organs  are  always  involved.  Influenza 
generally  prevails  as  an  epizootic,  and  is  considered  by  some  to  be  con- 
tagious. 

Etiology. — Influenza  has  its  origin  in  some  peculiar  and  unknown 
condition  of  the  atmosphere,  which  exercises  a  specific  injurious  influence 
on  the  health  of  animals. 

Other  causes,  such  as  bad  ventilation,  dirty  stables,  an  insufficient 
supply  of  nutritious  food,  bad  forage,  or  debility,  predispose  to  the  dis- 
ease. Animals  crowded  together  in  damp,  ill-ventilated,  and  otherwise 
unhealthy  situations,  are  generally  the  first  to  suffer  from  influenza.  In 
them  it  commits  its  greatest  havoc.     Young  horses  are  more  predisposed 


254  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

than  those  of  maturer  years;  still,  the  old  suffer  severely  and  are  often 
carried  away.  Sex  has  no  influence.  Neglect,  of  every  description,  as 
well  as  bad  food  and  overwork,  by  debilitating,  render  animals  subject  to 
severe  and  early  attacks  of  disease.  But  no  amount  of  care  will  exempt 
them  from  it,  as  it  appears  in  the  stables  of  the  rich  as  well  as  of  the  poor. 
The  latter,  however,  experience  it  in  its  greatest  intensity  and  at  a  much 
earlier  period  than  the  former. 

Symptoms. — Influenza,  in  different  years  and  in  different  places, 
varies  much  in  its  intensity  and  in  some  of  its  symptoms.  In  some  sea- 
sons it  assumes  more  of  an  inflammatory  character,  whilst  in  others  it 
takes  a  low  form.  The  description  of  symptoms  given  below  will  have 
reference  to  the  general  type  of  the  disease  rather  than  to  the  peculiar 
features  which  may  be  abnormally  present  in  any  particular  outbreak. 

In  mild  cases,  for  the  first  two  or  three  days  the  horse  is  observed  to 
be  dull,  weak,  and  dispirited;  generally  sweats  on  exertion;  the  bowels 
are  slightly  constipated;  the  fseces  are  paler  than  usual,  and  there  may 
be  occasionally  cough.  If  the  patient  is  promptly  removed  to  a  loose  box 
and  carefully  treated,  these  symptoms  may  pass  off  (probably  in  the  form 
of  catarrh  and  a  disposition  to  swelling  of  the  legs)  without  the  necessity 
for  recourse  to  any  active  treatment. 

More  often,  however,  they  are  followed  by  others  of  a  more  urgent 
nature.  The  horse  refuses  his  food,  or  grinds  it;  his  coat  looks  unhealthy, 
the  urine  becomes  scanty,  the  fseces  pale  and  scanty,  the  surface  of  the 
dung  pellets  is  glazed  and  perhaps  partially  coated  with  muco-lymph;  the 
mouth  becomes  hot  and  unnaturally  dry,  or  it  may  be  pasty,  particularly 
at  the  back  of  the  tongue;  and  the  mucous  membrane  altogether,  and  es- 
pecially round  the  gums,  is  of  yellowish-red  hue,  as  is  also  the  conjuncti- 
val membrane  of  the  eyelids.  The  pulse  is  quick  and  oppressed,  perhaps 
70  per  minute,  but  at  the  same  time  feeble,  and  the  breathing  is  quick. 
The  temperature  rises  to  103  to  105°  Fahrenheit.  The  horse  appears  to 
be  suffering  from  intense  headache,  and  if  made  to  move  he  staggers  in 
his  walk.  These  symptoms  point  very  clearly  to  the  nervous  centres 
being  functionally  deranged,  especially  the  brain. 

These  symptoms  may  remain  much  the  same  for  two  or  three  days, 
except  that  the  pulse  may  become  a  little  quicker,  80  to  90,  and  more 
feeble,  and  the  respiration  quicker  and  shorter. 

If  the  horse  is  well  nursed,  and  proper  attention  is  paid  to  the  venti- 
lation, he  will  most  likely  recover  without  the  assistance  of  medicine. 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AMD    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  255 

At  other  times  the  disease  is  ushered  in  and  accompanied  by  weeping 
of  the  eyes,  swelling  of  the  eyelids  and  of  the  legs,  and  under  the  belly, 
and  all  other  usual  signs  of  extreme  debility.  Even  in  the  very  early 
stage  the  patient  may  be  so  prostrated  as  to  require  the  assistance  fo 
several  men  to  remove  him  to  a  loose  box.  In  these  cases  the  strength 
requires  to  be  supported  at  once  by  the  administration  of  stimulants,  such 
as: 

Carbonate  of  ammonia, 

Gentian aa,  ^  ij. 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses aa  sufficient 

Make  8  balls.     Give  one  every  13  hours. 

With  care  and  good  nursing  the  threatened  attack  may  pass  off  in  a  few 
days. 

The  discharge  of  purulent  matter  from  the  nose,  in  the  early  stage,  is 
a  good  sign,  and  indicates  that  the  disease  is  becoming  milder.  Favor- 
able progress  is  also  marked  by  the  urine  being  discharged  more  fre- 
quently, and  in  greater  quantities,  and  not  so  high  colored;  and  by  the 
dung  becoming  of  a  proper  consistence,  and  soft  instead  of  being  voided 
in  hard  pellets.  A  slight  tendency  to  oedema  in  this  stage  is  also  a  favor- 
able sign.  It  is  one  of  r.ature's  means  of  giving  relief,  and  often  prevents 
the  occurrence  of  mischief  in  important  internal  organs.  But  in  the  later 
stages  it  is  a  symptom  of  the  inability  of  nature  any  longer  to  continue 
the  conflict  with  the  disease. 

Should  the  disease,  whether  it  has  commenced  in  the  one  way  or  the 
other,  not  take  a  favorable  turn,  the  mucous  membranes  will  become 
seriously  involved,  indicated  by  the  heightened  color.  The  discharge  from 
the  nose,  instead  of  being  purulent,  will  be  suppressed  and  scanty,  or  it 
may  be  serous  and  straw-colored.  The  throat  will  become  sore,  as  indi- 
cated by  a  difficulty  in  swallowing  even  water.  The  breathing  becomes 
quickened,  and  the  patient  may  cough  somewhat  frequently.  The  sup- 
pressed character  of  the  cough  points  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
bronchige  being  involved. 

In  other  cases  an  unfavorable  turn  is  indicated  by  the  occurrence  of  fits 
of  shivering,  by  the  breathing  being  somewhat  embarrassed,  by  the  pulse 
being  increased  in  frequency  and  very  small  in  volume.  The  fits  of 
shivering  may  or  may  not  recur.  Profuse  perspiration  sometimes  super- 
venes on  the  rigors,  and  always  temporarily  relieves  the  breathing. 


256  VETERINARY    MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 

The  treatment  up  to  this  point  consists  in  diffusible  stimulants  and 
plenty  of  cool  fresh  air.  If  the  patient's  constitution  is  good,  a  favorable 
change  may  be  expected. 

If  the  attack  at  this  juncture  does  not  take  a  favorable  turn,  the 
symptoms  will  probably  become  more  intense.  The  membrane  of  the 
nose  may  become  mulberry  red,  and  in  very  bad  cases  the  discharge  may 
be  tinged  with  streaks  of  blood.  In  some  cases  there  may  be  a  discharge 
of  muco-pus  from  the  eyes.  The  legs  often  swell,  especially  the  hind  ones, 
and  there  may  probably  be  swellings  in  the  sheath  and  under  the  belly. 
A  tendency  to  oedema  often  exists  about  the  larynx  and  glottis,  and  serum 
may  be  effused  into  the  air  cells  and  structure  of  the  lungs,  or  along  the 
spinal  cord,  or  in  the  cavities  of  the  brain.  The  animal  may  wander  un- 
consciously around  the  box,  and  look  at  his  sides  and  paw  occasionally  as 
though  in  pain.  At  this  critical  stage  great  care  and  caution  are  needed 
in  the  management  of  the  case.  Stimulants  may  be  employed,  but 
powerful  sedatives  are  very  injurious.  The  nervous  centres  are  already 
paralyzed,  and  digitalis,  belladonna,  and  such  like  agents  will  only  in- 
crease the  mischief.  The  feeble  flickering  flame  of  life  must  be  roused, 
not  extinguished  by  sedatives.  Even  spontaneous  diarrhoea  is  to  be 
dreaded,  and  far  more  the  excessive  purgation  which  is  likely  to  result 
from  a  dose  of  aloes  given  to  the  animal  so  debilitated. 

At  this  stage  the  disease  often  assumes  an  intermittent  form,  and  tlie 
animal  alternately  gains  strength  for  a  time  and  relapses.  Even  if  the 
animal  survives,  chronic  cough,  defective  respiration,  skin  disease,  rheu- 
matism, or  paralysis  are  often  after-results  of  such  extreme  development 
of  influenza. 

When  a  case  is  about  to  terminate  fatally,  the  pulse  will  be  found  to 
falter  and  sink,  and  as  final  cold  sweats  will  break  out.  Death  generally 
occurs  about  the  sixth  day,  but  the  case  may  be  protracted  to  about  the 
fourteenth  day. 

Throughout  the  attack  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the  inaction  of 
the  bowels  is  often  mainly  dependent  on  want  of  sufficient  nervous  tone 
and  energy.  There  is  often  no  undue  hardness  of  the  faeces,  but  rather 
the  contrary.  The  proper  action  of  the  bowels  will  best  be  restored  by 
the  administration  of  stimulants  and  tonics.  In  some  cases  injections 
of  tepid  water  and  linseed  oil  are  useful. 

There  is  sometimes  a  strong  disposition  to  gangrene  in  wounds  in  horses 
suffering  from  influenza  of  a  low  type.     Ulcerous  sores  or  simple  wounds 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  257 

take  on  an  unhealthy  action  from  no  apparent  cause,  and  this  action  ex- 
tends to  neighboring  parts,  and  sloughs  may  result.  Great  caution  should 
therefore  be  used  in  applying  strong  blisters  or  setons  in  influenza,  even 
if  for  other  reasons  they  were  not  objectionable. 

When  an  animal  is  recovering  from  a  severe  attack  of  influenza  vre 
must  not  expect  any  great  and  rapid  improvement.  The  change  will  be 
gradual.  We  must  wait  patiently,  and  be  satisfied  to  look  on  and  seek 
to  aid  nature  in  the  gradual  restoration  of  the  system.  After  a  bad  case 
there  will  be,  during  convalescence,  frequent  changes,  slight  accessions 
of  fever,  inequality  of  heat  and  cold  on  the  surface  of  the  body  and  legs, 
and  slight  shiverings.  The  appetite  will  only  slowly  return,  and  will  be 
irregular  in  character.  It  is  always  a  good  sign  to  see  the  horse  lying 
down,  and  comfortable  in  that  position,  especially  if  the  breathing  is  not 
accelerated  by  it. 

The  treatment  during  convalescence  is  simply  good  nursing  and  care- 
fully regulated  administration  of  tonics. 

In  most  cases  the  liver  is  functionolly  deranged,  more  or  less  affected, 
and  there  is  a  peculiar  straw-colored  discharge  from  the  nostrils. 

Treatment. — The  great  aim  must  be  to  sujoport  the  animal  through 
the  disease,  and  enable  nature  to  get  rid  of  the  morbid  material  in  the 
system. 

Good  nursing  is  the  primary  requisite.  Keep  the  body  warm,  with 
blankets  if  necessary.  Let  the  food  consist  of  warm  bran  mashes,  or 
boiled  oats,  and  mix  one-half  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potassium  in  the  food 
once  a  day,  and  give  plenty  of  water  to  drink.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  keep 
water  where  the  horse  can  get  at  it  at  all  times.  In  mild  cases  no  active 
treatment  will  be  needed  and  the  animal  will  begin  to  recover  in  from 
four  to  six  days. 

The  medical  treatment  consists  mainly  in  avoiding  drastic  purgatives 
and  strong  sedatives.  Saline  agents,  however,  such  as  sulphate  of  mag- 
nesia (Epsom  salts)  in  doses  of  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  ounces  for 
several  days,  or  Robertson  recommends: 

Nitrate  of  potassium 3  ij- 

Powdered  camphor, 

Ext.  belladonna aa  3  ss. 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 31.  to  3  ij. 

Acetate  of  ammonia §  iv. 

Twice  a  day. 

17 


258  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

This  will  act  beneficially  in  lowering  the  fever  and  changing  the  condition 
of  the  blood  which  in  influenza  always  becomes  dark-colored  as  the  dis- 
ease proceeds. 

When,  however,  the  fever  is  accompanied  with  much  prostration,  it 
will  be  advisable  to  give  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  in  doses  of  from  one  to  two 
ounces,  at  intervals  of  about  four  hours.  If  the  prostration  increases, 
a  draught  of 

Carbonate  of  ammonia  3  ij. 

Camphor, 

Ginger aa3i. 

In  those  forms  where  the  abdominal  complications  are  prominent 
features,  the  horse  inclined  to  be  restless  and  occasionally  lying  down 
and  rising  again,  as  if  suffering  from  colic,  with  a  confined  condition  of 
the  bowels,  it  will  be  needful  to  give  .our  attention  to  relieve  this  restless- 
ness and  pain;  enemata  of  tepid  water  or  tepid  water  and  oil,  with  the 
application  to  the  abdomen  of  woollen  cloths  wrung  from  pretty  warm 
water,  are  often  sufficient  to  attain  the  end  desired. 

Where  the  pain  is  more  persistent,  or  where  the  confined  state  of  the 
bowels  is  accompanied  with  a  distinct  yellow  condition  of  the  visible 
mucous  membranes,  it  will  most  jorobably  be  needful  to  exhibit  a  mode- 
rate dose  of  linseed  oil,  to  which  has  been  added  one  or  two  ounces  of 
tincture  of  opium,  or  from  ten  to  fifteen  drops  of  Fleming's  tincture  of 
aconite,  while  the  hot-water  applications  to  the  abdomen  may  be  sup- 
plemented with  smart  friction  with  soap  or  ammonia  liniment ;  while 
where  pain  is  the  prominent  feature,  and  not  accompanied  by  marked 
constipation,  it  is  readily  enough  relieved  by  subcutaneous  injection  of: 

Magendie's  solution  of  morphia tii^xx.  to  "nixl. 

When  both  pain  and  constipation  have  continued  more  or  less  trouble- 
some for  some  days,  with  a  foul  condition  of  the  mouth  and  tongue,  the 
animal  all  the  time  continuing  to  partake  occasionally  of  a  little  mash, 
an  endeavor  ought  to  be  made  to  induce  it  to  take  along  with  the  mash 
a  certain  quantity  of  linseed  oil,  or  a  rather  full  allowance  of  sulphate 
of  soda.  In  such  cases,  the  exhibition  twice  daily  in  bolus  of  half  a 
drachm  of  opium  and  twenty  grains  of  calomel,  together  with  the  oil, 
will  prove  efficacious  in  removing  or  relieving  the  pain  and  confined  con- 
dition of  the  bowels. 


GENERAL,    COJSTTAGIOUS,   AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  259 

If  the  throat  is  sore  and  swallowing  difficult,  smear  a  small  portion  of 
the  following  electuary  on  the  tongue  occasionally: 

Powdered  camphor §  iv. 

Powdered  myrrh, 

Nitrate  of  potassium aa  §  viij. 

Ext.  belladonna 3  ij. 

Powdered  licorice  root §  viij. 

Molasses sufficient. 

And  a  counter-irritant  to  the  throat  may  assist  in  relieving  it: 

Soap  liniment ^  pint 

Strong  liquid  ammonia 3  ij. 

Mix; 

if  the  lungs  are  affectea,  rub  this  liniment  upon  the  chest  also.  The 
application  must  be  mild,  and  only  to  the  extent  of  exciting  a  smart 
irritation,  not  to  the  extent  of  blistering. 

Steaming  with  the  nose-bag  will  be  useful  and  grateful  to  the  patient, 
during  the  dry  stage  of  the  inflammation. 

The  warmth  of  the  body  and  legs  must  be  maintained  by  blankets  and 
bandages. 

As  the  disease  abates,  the  medicines  should  be  gradually  withdrawn. 
The  debility  which  supervenes  will  require  most  careful  nursing,  and  if 
the  appetite  is  irregular,  tonics  will  be  needed,  as: 

Bicarbonate  of  sodium, 

Powdered  gentian aa  |  ss. 

Powdered  nux  vomica gr.  xx. 

This  is  one  dose;  give  morning  and  evening. 

Or  some  may  prefer: 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  ss. 

Mixed  in  the  food;  to  be  given  twice  a  day. 

This  will  improve  the  quality  of  the  blood.  It  should  be  discontinued  as 
soon  as  the  dung  becomes  dark-colored. 


260  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Horses  recovering  from  influenza  are  sometimes  attacked  with  a  skin 
disease,  which  consists  in  the  skin  being  wholly  or  partially  covered  with 
little  flattened  lumps.  In  chronic  cases,  the  cuticle  peels  off  and  leaves 
as  many  bare  spots  as  there  were  lumps;  but  more  often  the  lumps  disap- 
pear spontaneously  in  a  short  time. 

Rheumatism  is  an  occasional  after-result,  as  are  also  roaring,  whis- 
tling, and  chronic  cough. 


STRANGLES. 

Synonym. — Colt  distemper. 

Definition. — Strangles  is  a  disease  usually  attended  with  an  eruptive 
fever,  generally  appearing  before  the  horse  is  five  years  old.  The  local 
symptoms  usually  manifest  themselves  in,  or  in  connection  Avith,  one  or 
other  of  the  glandular  structures.  Most  commonly  the  submaxillary 
and  parotid  glands  become  inflamed,  and  suppuration  afterwards  takes 
place  in  the  connecting  tissue  and  its  neighborhood. 

In  favorable  cases  the  tumor  usually  occurs  in  the  submaxillary  space, 
and  terminates  in  an  abscess  in  the  cellular  tissue  and  textures  covering 
the  glands. 

Strangles,  though  a  debilitating  disease,  in  general  leaves  no  injurious 
effects.  On  the  contrary  the  patient  usually  thrives  Avell  afterwards,  es- 
pecially if  the  suppurative  process  has  gone  on  favorably.  If,  however, 
the  eruptive  fever  is  checked  by  injudicious  treatment,  or  the  animal  is 
too  weak  to  throw  out  the  eruj)tion,  he  Avill  not  do  well. 

Etiology. — There  are  various  theories  as  to  the  cause  of  this  disease, 
but  none  which  satisfactorily  account  for  it.  By  some  it  is  considered 
infectious,  though  this  is  hardly  probable.  Few  horses  escape  it  alto- 
gether, but  rarely  or  never  have  it  a  second  time. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  is  sick  and  off  his  feed,  and  perhaps  has  a  slight 
catarrh  with  feverish  symptoms.  The  coat  becomes  harsh  and  staring 
and  the  animal  hide  bound.  In  a  day  or  two  the  glands  under  the  jaw  or 
behind  the  ear  begin  to  swell.  Partly  from  the  effect  of  the  fever  which 
accomj)anies  the  attack,  and  i)artly  from  symi^athy,  the  throat  also  becomes 
sore;  and  although  evidently  thirsty,  there  is  much  hesitation  and  diffi- 
culty in  swallo'ving,  with  much  slobbering  and  some  acceleration  of  the 
breathing.     AVilliams  describes  the  symptoms  as  follows,  viz. : 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES. 


261 


Strangles  manifests  itself  in  three  ways. 

Is^.  It  commences  with  the  common  symptoms  of  a  mild  catarrhal 
affection.  The  animal  is  somewhat  dull,  has  a  slight  cough,  some  sore- 
ness of  throat,  a  disinclination  to  feed,  and  more  or  less  inability  to  swal- 
low. The  submaxillary  space  swells,  is  hot  and  tender,  the  swelling 
filling  up  the  whole  space  or  confined  to  one  side  only;  and  is  either  dif- 
fused or  circumscribed.  There  is  generally  some  dribbling  of  saliva  from 
the  mouth,  and  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils.  Fig.  131.  In  most  in- 
stances the  pulse  is  somewhat  hurried,  and  the  respiratory  movements 
slightly  increased. 


Fig.  131. 
Symptoms  of  strangles. 


2d.  For  some  weeks,  or  even  months,  prior  to  tlie  local  manifestation 
of  the  disease,  the  animal  is  unthrifty,  loses  flesh,  becomes  hide  bound, 
drawn  up  at  the  flank;  if  at  grass,  stands  apart  from  his  fellows,  has 
more  or  less  cough,  often  stretches  himself  as  if  fatigued,  shivers  on  the 
application  of  slight  cold,  his  coat  stares,  his  growth  is  arrested.  The 
horseman  says  that  "  he  is  breeding  strangles,"  and  time  confirms  the 
correctness  of  this  opinion,  the  local  signs  of  the  disease  becoming  de- 
yeloped,  and  very  often  to  a  more  severe  extent  than  in  the  first  form. 

dd.  The  premonitory  signs  are  those  Avhich  have  given  the  name  to 
the  disease,  namely,  those  simulating  strangulation,  with  great  diiiiculty 
of  respiration,  accompanied  by  a  loud  trumpet-like  sound,  emitted  more 
especially  during  inspiration.  This  sound  may  arise  from  spasm  of  the 
muscles  that  close  the  glottis,  namely,  the  crico-thyroideus,  crico- 
arytenoideus    lateralis,  tliyro-arytenoideus,   etc.;    or   from   an  oedema- 


262  VETEEINAKY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

tous  condition  of  it  (oedema  glottidis).  If  from  the  first  cause,  the  in. 
spiratory  sound  only  is  lieard;  but  if  from  the  second,  both  movements 
may  be  accompanied  by  the  roaring  noise,  the  inspiratory  to  a  greater  ex- 
tent than  the  expiratory. 

When  the  tumor  forms  regularly  in  the  submaxillary  space,  and  is  of 
the  ordinary  size,  the  abscess  generally  comes  to  maturity  without  much 
trouble  or  inconvenience. 

If,  however,  it  is  situated  high  up  towards  the  parotid  glands,  the 
distress  in  the  breathing  will  often  be  very  great,  and  the  feverish  symp- 
toms will  run  high.  The  noisy  breathing,  which  forms  so  marked  a 
feature  in  most  severe  cases,  and  from  which  the  disease  obtains  its 
name,  is  owing  chiefly  to  the  tumor  j^ressing  on  the  larynx,  and  partly 
also  to  the  inflamed  and  swollen  state  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
larynx,  which  becomes  inflamed  by  sympathy.  The  tumor  often  becomes 
exceedingly  large,  and  the  patient  may  get  excessively  weak  from  being 
unable  to  masticate  his  food.  In  some  cases  the  animal  may  be  in  dan- 
ger of  suffocation  from  obstruction  of  the  breathing  caused  by  the  size 
and  situation  of  the  tumor. 

Treatment. — As  strangles  runs  a  specific  course,  the  great  object  in 
treatment  is  to  assist  nature  to  develop  the  eruption  fully  and  quickly. 
Never  do  anything  to  check  it  or  cause  its  absorption,  it  would  be  very 
apt  to  fly  to  another,  and  perhaps  to  some  internal  glandular  structure. 
Nourishing  food  is  a  first  requisite,  and  as  his  throat  is  sore,  he  can 
take  nothing  but  soft  food.  Hence  good  nursing  becomes  the  main  point 
in  the  treatment. 

The  patient's  appetite  must  be  carefully  watched  and  tempted  with 
anything  that  he  will  eat.  In  bad  cases,  grass  is  not  only  the  best,  but 
is  often  the  only  food  that  the  animal  can  be  tempted  to  swallow  or  to 
attempt  to  swallow.  Carrots  finely  cut  lengthways  are  the  best  substi- 
tute when  grass  cannot  be  obtained.  Bran  mash  is  sometimes  palatable 
for  a  day  or  two,  but  in  general  it  soon  becomes  distasteful.  Linseed 
gruel  carefully  and  wisely  prepared  may  also  be  offered.  If  the  patient 
is  able  to  eat,  he  should  be  supi^lied  with  oats  softened  by  boiling  water 
poured  over  it,  with  the  addition  of  bran  and  linseed  meal,  "Whatever 
food  is  offered  him  must  be  in  a  softened  condition.  Sometimes  hay, 
cut  and  soaked  m  boiling  water,  is  also  palatable.  The  steam  arising 
from  it  will  also  be  found  to  be  beneficial  by  soothing  the  inflamed 
surface. 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISICASE8. 


263 


Warm  clothing  must  be  applied  to  the  body,  and  bandages  to  the  legs. 
At  intervals,  if  the  legs  get  cold,  the  bandages  should  be  removed,  and 
the  parts  rubbed  with  the  hands,  until  ■warmth  is  restored.  The  patient 
■  should  be  placed  in  a  cool  well-ventilated  box  with  abundance  of  air  both 
day  and  night.  Cool  fresh  air  in  this,  in  common  with  all  diseases  in 
which  the  respiratory  passages  are  affected,  is  of  the  utmost  importance. 

If  the  bowels  are  constipated  and  cannot  be  opened  by  laxative  food, 
it  IS  better  to  let  them  alone,  rather  than  to  give  strong  purgative  medicine, 
both  for  fear  of  checking  the  eruption  and  also  on  account  of  its  tendency 


Fig.  133. 
Bandage  for  tumor  of  strangles. 

to  reduce  the  strength  and  perhaps  bring  on  superpurgation.  In  the 
early  stage  it  is  best  to  keep  the  enlarged  gland  warm  with  layers  of  dry 
flannel.  Fig.  132.  If  the  tumor  appears  sluggish  and  slow  to  come  to  a 
head,  a  blister  will  hasten  the  process,  sometimes  by  several  days.       Use 

Powdered  cantharides 5  i. 

Fresh  lard §  vi. 

Mix  them  together  with  gentle  heat  for  three  hours,  stirring  occasionally  while 
hot,  filter  through  paper,  and  allow  the  clear  liquid  to  cool. 


As  soon  as  the  tumor  has  headed,  it  should  be  freely  opened  with  a 
lance,  in  preference  to  allowing  a  natural  opening  to  form,  because  the 
opening  may  be  made  at  the  most  favorable  point,  because  incised  wounds 
heal  more  rapidly  than  irregular  openings  and  are  also  less  liable  to  leave 
a  blemish. 


264:  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

As  soon  as  the  abscess  is  opened,  the  matter  will  squirt  out  with  great 
force.  The  incision  must  be  kept  open,  and  the  abscess  occasionally  in- 
jected for  a  few  days  with  warm  water  by  means  of  a  syringe  in  order  to 
clean  away  any  matter  which  may  be  adhering  to  its  sides.  Or  a  small 
piece  of  tow  may  be  put  into  the  opening  and  removed  occasionally,  to 
prevent  the  wound  closing  too  soon. 

But  when  the  abscess  is  deep-seated,  great  caution  is  necessary  in  tlie 
operation  for  fear  of  injuring  with  the  lancet  any  of  the  blood-vessels  in 
its  neighborhood.  Any  considerable  flow  of  blood  may  prove  fatal  to  an 
animal  already  in  a  weak  and  debilitated  state;  and  again  if  the  lancet 
should  cut  through  the  duct  of  the  salivary  gland,  we  may  have  a  very 
troublesome  fistulous  sore,  discharging  saliva.  The  operetion  should  not 
be  attempted  unless  the  pressure  of  the  tumor  produces  great  distress  in 
the  breathing;  or  unless  it  is  so  situated  that  it  is  probable  that  the  pus, 
which  will  escape  on  its  bursting  internally,  will  cause  suffocation. 
Premature  lancing  of  the  tumor  should  be  carefully  avoided. 

Occasionally  it  happens  that  the  tumor  is  so  placed  on  the  side  of  the 
throat  that  by  joressing  on  the  windpipe  it  causes  extreme  diflBculty  in 
breathing.  In  such  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  open  it,  even  though 
not  fully  matured;  and  if  it  can  be  laid  well  open  with  safety,  the  opera- 
tion will  give  relief.  In  extreme  cases  relief  to  the  breathing  can  only 
be  obtained  by  tracheotomy.  Though  the  glands  about  the  head  are  the 
usual  seat  of  the  tumor,  yet  abscesses  may,  as  mentioned  above,  form  in 
any  of  the  glandular  structures. 

If  the  tumor  should  form  in  any  of  the  internal  glandular  structures, 
such  as  the  mesentery,  liver  or  lungs,  it  will  probably  be  fatal. 

The  tumor  of  strangles  may  also  form  in  different  parts  of  the  body 
apart  from  the  glandular  structures,  as  for  instance  on  the  shoulders,  in 
front  of  the  chest,  etc. 

The  after-treatment  consists  simply  in  the  continuance  of  good  nurs- 
ing and  careful  attention  to  appetite,  diet,  and  ventilation,  until  the 
strength  is  restored. 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC   DISEASES. 


265 


RHEUMATISM. 

Definition. — Rheumatism  is  an  inflammauion  of  tne  fiorous  structures 
of  the  slieaths,  joints,  tendons,  ligaments  or  muscles,  or  of  the  heart  and 
closed  cavities,  of  a  peculiar  shifting  type.  It  may  be  chronic  or  it  may 
be  acute.     The  acute  attack  is  usually  accompanied  by  febrile  symptoms. 

Viewed  in  its  more  general  aspect,  as  distinguished  from  the  course  of 
any  particular  attack,  this  disease  may  be  said  to  be  a  result  of  a  low  or 
impaired  state  of  vitality. 

The  chief  peculiarities  of  the  disease  are  the  suddenness  of  its  attacks 
and  a  very  remarkable  tendency  to  shift  from  one  part  to  another. 


Fig.  133. 
Knee-joint  in  health. 


Fig.  134. 
Knee-joint  after  chronic  rheumatism. 


Structures  which  have  been  once  affected  are  very  liable  to  recur- 
rence of  the  disease,  and  after  a  time  it  may  become  chronic  in  such 
parts.  But  though  it  may  be  chronic,  variations  in  degree  will  be  felt 
from  time  to  time  according  to  weather,  health,  and  other  changing  cir- 
cumstances. 

Etiology. — Rheumatism  is  often  caused  by  neglect.  It  is  very 
readily  brought  on  by  exposure  to  wet  and  cold,  by  insufficient  diet,  by 


266  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

bad  stable  management,  by  neglect,  and  by  all  other  such  causes  as  lower 
the  general  health.  Eheumatism  is  also  a  frequent  sequel  of  any  debili- 
tating disease,  especially  of  chest  affections  and  influenza,  or  from  natural 
predisposition  without  apparent  cause. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  rheumatic  fever  are  as  follows: — Sud- 
den lameness,  with  or  without  swelling  of  some  particular  articulation, 
such  as  the  stifle,  hock,  or  fetlock  joints,  the  flexor  tendons,  immediately 
below  the  knee  or  hock  in  the  sesamoidean  bursa,  the  thecse  of  the  mus- 
cles of  the  loins  and  quarters,  or  of  those  of  the  thoracic  walls,  constitut- 
ing pleurodynia.  The  lameness  may  be  preceded  by  some  febrile  dis- 
turbance or  a  malaise  condition,  expressed  by  yawning,  dulness,  or 
dejection.  The  lameness  often  disappears  from  one  part  of  the  body 
and  suddenly  reappears  in  another.  Very  often  the  lameness  is  symmet- 
rical, that  is  to  say,  it  will  be  due  to  inflammation  of  the  same  joints  in 
both  legs,  say  in  two  stifle  or  in  two  hock  joints. 

If  the  attack  be  severe,  or  if  it  be  continued,  the  parts  affected  will 
soon  become  hot  and  swollen.  When  a  part  has  been  frequently  attacked, 
a  chronic  swelling  generally  becomes  apparent. 

When  rheumatism  arises  from  exposure  to  cold  or  wet,  it  generally 
affects  the  loins  or  shoulders. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  diagnosis  is  made,  give  the  following: 

Salicylic  acid, 

Bicarbonate  of  soda aa    3  i. 

Give  as  a  drink  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

This  treatment  will  usually  give  immediate  relief,  and  with  laxative  food 
will  cure  in  many  cases. 

Oil  of  wintergreen  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  olive-oil  applied 
externally  to  inflamed  joints  affected  by  acute  rheumatism,  sometimes 
affords  instant  relief. 

In  severe  or  long-continued  attacks,  it  is  advisable  to  give  : 

Bicarbonate  of  potash, 

Nitrate  of  potassium, 

Powdered  colchicum aa    3  ss. 

If  the  lameness  is  persistent  after  the  ordinary  means  of  reducing 
inflammation  have  been  employed,  blisters  of : 

Biniodide  of  mercury z  i. 

Lard §  viij. 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  267 

may  be  applied  to  tlie  inflamed  parts,  and  followed  by  linseed  meal  poul- 
tices over  the  blistered  parts,  to  j)romote  the  flow  of  serum. 


DROPSY. 

Synonyms. — Ascites;  (Edema;  Hydrothorax, 

Definition. — A  watery  effusion  which  collects  under  the  skin  of  the 
belly,  sheath,  and  sometimes  the  legs  and  chest;  still  more  rarely  in  the 
testicles. 

Etiology. — An  effusion  of  serum,  which  produces  soft,  pitting  swell- 
ing, may  result  from  a  diminished  and  retarded,  or  from  a  retarded 
though  not  diminished  state  of  the  circulation;  or  it  may  result  from  a 
poor  impoverished  condition  of  the  blood;  or  all  these  causes  or  some  of 
them  may  exist  in  combination,  though  ascites  most  frequently  results 
from  diseases  of  the  liver,  the  heart,  and  from  indigestion  of  improper 
food. 

Dropsy  may  also  occur  from  any  cause,  such  as  a  sudden  chill  or  ex- 
posure, which  disturbs  or  arrests  the  two  processes  of  exhalation  and  ab- 
sorption, natural  to  all  secreting  surfaces  in  health. 

Dropsical  swellings,  which  are  distinguished  from  the  foregoing  by 
the  symptoms  of  heat,  tenderness  and  pain,  result  from  congestion  of 
the  blood-vessels  under  the  influence  of  inflammatory  action. 

The  abnormal  disposition  to  effusion,  as  the  result  of  congestion, 
generally  arises  from  a  weak  or  debilitated  constitution,  or  from  a  circu- 
lation which  has  become  deficient  in  tone  and  vigor.  The  attacks  of  in- 
flammation which  end  in  dropsical  swellings  are  generally  very  acute. 
The  swelling  itself  in  such  cases  is  formed  very  suddenly  and  rapidly. 

Symptoms. — Enlargement  of  the  belly  and  sheath,  a  dull  sound  on 
percussion,  and  the  fluctuation  of  the  contained  fluid  on  pressure.  As 
the  fluid  increases  the  breathing  becomes  thoracic,  the  bowels  irregular, 
and  the  coat  rough  and  unthrifty.  If  the  disease  has  progressed  as  far  as 
this,  the  case  is  usually  hopeless.  • 

Treatment. — If  caused  by  improper  food,  a  change  to  generous  diet 
with  occasional  aperients  as: 

Linseed  oil 1  pint 

Or, 


268  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGEKY. 

Aloes , 3  iv. 

Ginger 3  ij. 

Linseed  meal, 

Molasses aa  siifBcient 

and  tonics  as: 

Sulphate  of  iron. . . . , 3  iv. 

Gentian 

Ginger aa  3  ij. 

A  ball  daily. 

will  soon  effect  a  change.    Good  grooming,  with  moderate  exercise  in  the 
open  air,  will  prove  advantageous. 

If  the  symptoms  indicate  arrest  of  secretion  of  the  liver: 

Calomel , 3  ss 

Powdered  ginger, 

Powdered  gentian .aa  3  ij. 

Make  one  ball. 

If  it  be  an  after  result  of  disease  of  the  lungs  and  pleurae,  the  best 
remedies  are  those  indicated  in  Chapter  II.  If  the  cause  be  traceable 
to  disorder  of  the  kidneys  or  liver,  those  organs  must  be  treated  as  indi- 
cated in  Chapters  VI.  and  VII. 

A  slight  diuretic  as: 

Powdered  digitalis , 3  i. 

Sulphate  of  iron 3  ss. 

Linseed  meal. 

Molasses aa  sufficient 

for  one  ball,  may  be  given  occasionally  with  benefit  to  horses  predisposed 
to  th?s  complaint.     If  the  animal  is  poor,  a  generous  diet  is  essential. 

In  very  urgent  cases  removal  of  the  fluid  may  be  effected  by  mechani- 
cal means,  such  as  tapping  with  a  trocar  and  canula.  Fig.  135.  The 
operation,  however,  is  not  in  general  of  much  avail,  as  the  fluid  usually 
forms  again.  In  those  cases  in  which  the  accumulation  is  considerable, 
and  from  its  proximity  to  important  organs  is  likely  to  produce  a  serious 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  269 

result,  such  as  positive  obstruction  to  the  respiration,  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  have  recourse  to  tapping;  but  except  under  such  circumstances 
the  fluid  should  not  be  removed  by  mechanical  means. 

Removal  of  the  fluid  in  less  pressing  cases  may  be  best  effected  indi- 
rectly by  rousing  the  action  of  the  skin  by  means  of  stimulants;  whilst 


Fig.  135. 
Trocar  and  canula. 


at  the  same  time  the  secretions  of  the  bowels  and  kidneys  may  be  in- 
creased by  very  mild  doses  of  aperient  or  by  more  active  doses  of  diuretic 
medicine,  as: 

Iodide  of  potassium 3  ss. 

Extract  of  gentian, 

Powdered  ginger aa  3  ij. 

Make  into  ball  and  give  night  and  morning. 

It  is  said  the  following  is  very  useful  in  reducing  dropsical  swellings, 

viz: — 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 3  ij. 

Oil  of  turpentine 3  i. 

Give  as  a  drink  in  one  quart  of  decoction  of  broom-corn  seeds. 

Friction  and  pressure  to  the  part,  when  practicable,  are  very  useful  in 
restoring  a  healthier  and  more  vigorous  tone  to  the  vessels.  See  also  page 
217. 


GLANDERS  AND  FARCY. 

Synonym. — Equina. 

Definition. — A  contagious,  malignant  and  fatal  disease,  during  the 
progress  of  which  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nose,  larynx,  and  trachea 
are  specifically  affected.  Glanders  and  farcy  are  different  manifestations 
of  the  same  disease. 


270  VETEKINABY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

Etiology. — The  primary  cause  of  glanders  is  not  clearly  understood. 
Old  age,  hard,  debilitating  work,  bad  food,  miasmatic  surroundings,  illy 
ventilated  and  badly  drained  stables,  overcrowding  in  confined  quarters 
seem  to  favor  the  development  of  the  poison.  The  discharges  from  the 
nose  of  a  glandered  horse  will  infect  others,  and  as  the  poison  is  commu- 
nicable to  men,  great  care  must  be  taken  in  suspected  cases  to  avoid  it. 

Symptoms. — Glanders,  as  most  commonly  met  with,  presents  the 
following  signs : — The  horse  is  generally  more  or  less  off  its  feed,  has  a 
tendency  to  shiver  on  the  slightest  cold;  its  coat  is  rough  and  unhealthy, 
"  has  lost  the  bloom  of  health;"  it  may  or  may  not  cough;  the  appetite 
is  capricious;  and  perspiration  is  induced  by  slight  exertion.  There  is  a 
discharge  of  a  starchy  or  gluey  material  from  one  or  both  nostrils;  the 
discharge  is  often  tinged  with  blood.  In  some  instances  recurrent 
hemorrhage  from  the  nostril  is  a  premonitory  sign  of  glanders.  The 
mucous  membranes  are  pale  and  unhealthy,  and  that  covering  the  nasal 
chamber,  from  which  the  discharge  issues,  is  studded  over  with  deep,  pit- 
like ulcers.  The  ulcers  are  characteristic,  being  excavated,  as  if  cut  with 
a  punch,  but  after  a  time  they  become  ragged  at  their  edges,  irregular, 
enlarged  in  all  directions,  and  confluent.  The  spaces  between  the  ulcers 
are  covered  with  hard  yellowish  pimples,  which  soon  ulcerate.  The  eye 
of  the  affected  side  is  weak,  and  looks  smaller  than  its  fellow,  and  an 
unhealthy  discharge  often  issues  from  it  over  the  face.  The  submaxil- 
lary lymphatics  of  the  same  side  enlarge  and  form  a  tumor — sometimes 
single,  sometimes  lobulated — which  is  more  or  less  firmly  adherent  to  the 
surrounding  tissues. 

Acute  Glanders  appears  suddenly  with  rigors  more  or  less  marked, 
the  temperature  of  the  animal  is  sometimes  as  high  as  106°  to  109°,  the 
breathing  is  accelerated,  the  pulse  feeble,  rapid,  and  even  dicrotonous, 
the  heart's  action  palpitating  and  accompanied  by  metallic  tinkling,  the 
appetite  fails,  the  joituitary  membrane,  at  first  of  a  dark  copper  color, 
with  patches  of  ecchymosis  of  a  dark-red  hue,  becomes  purj)le,  and  the 
patches  are  rapidly  converted  into  pit-like  ragged-edged  ulcers,  from 
which  issues  a  copious  sanious  discharge.  The  submaxillary  lymphatic 
glands  enlarge.  Other  lymphatic  glands  inflame,  enlarge,  suppurate, 
burst,  and  expose  raw,  unhealthy-looking  sores,  from  which  issues  a  more 
or  less  ichorous  and  irritating  purulent  material.  The  eyes  are  weak, 
and  a  discharge  issues  fi'om  them;  the  nostrils  are  often  swollen.  The 
breathing  is  hurried,  irregular,  and  impeded  by  the  swelling  of  the  nos- 


GENERAL,    CONTAaiOtJS,    AND   ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  271 

trils,  and  by  the  glutinous   discharge   drying  around   them;  abscesses 
speedily  form  along  the  course  of  the  lymphatics  of  the  face.     The  urine 
is  pale,  watery,  and  increased  in  quantity. 
Acute  glanders  is  rapidly  fatal. 
Chronic  Glanders  is  the  common  form  seen  in  the  horse. 

In  some  instances  the  disease  presents  itself  in  such  a  mild  form  that 
the  general  health  is  scarcely  affected.  There  will  be  a  discharge  from 
one  or  both  nostrils,  generally  from  one  nostril,  and  that  very  often  the 
near  (left)  one.  The  submaxillary  lymphatic  glands  are  swollen  and 
hard;  the  hardness  and  swelling  are  of  a  remitting  nature,  very  often 
varying  in  size  in  a  short  period.  For  example,  a  horse  may  be  left  at 
night  with  scarcely  any  discoverable  swelling,  and  found  in  the  morning 
with  a  hard  knot  under  the  jaw,  which  is  both  easily  seen  and  felt.  The 
swelling  may  continue  for  several  days,  afterwards  slowly  disappear,  and 
then  reappear  as  rapidly  as  before.  This  condition  may  exist  before  any 
discharge  issues  from  the  nose,  and  a  horse  so  affected  is  elegantly  said 
to  be  ''jugged."  If  the  nostril  of  such  a  horse  be  examined,  it  will  be 
found  to  be  paler  in  color  than  natural,  or  perhaps  tawny,  coppery,  and 
sometimes  of  a  dull  leaden  hue.  The  discharge  of  glanders  presents  a 
starchy  or  glue-like  appearance,  adheres  to  the  nostrils,  where  it  dries 
and  accumulates,  causing  the  nasal  opening  of  the  affected  side  to  appear 
smaller  or  more  contracted  than  in  health. 

These  appearances,  in  addition  to  a  weak  or  de  litated  condition  of 
the  eye  of  the  affected  side,  may  be  all  the  symptoms  present  in  a  case  of 
chronic  glanders;  indeed  in  some  instances  there  may  be  nothing  but  the 
discharge  from  the  nostril  to  lead  one  to  suspect  anything  wrong  with 
the  animal,  and  the  diagnosis  is  consequently  very  difficult,  more  partic- 
ularly if  the  case  is  a  solitary  one;  but  where  glanders  is  found  to  exisl 
in  a  stable,  any  suspicious  symptom  becomes  significant.  I  have  said 
nothing  about  the  glanders-ulcer,  because  in  many  instances  of  chronic 
glanders  the  ulcer  is  undiscoverable;  indeed  in  some  rare  cases  ulcers  are 
never  found  either  before  or  after  death.  For  this  reason  Percivall 
limited  the  term  chronic  to  that  form  in  which  no  ulcers  could  be  de- 
tected. He  says,  however,  that  they  are  always  present  in  the  frontal 
sinuses. 

Acute  Farcy,  which  together  with  chronic  farcy  has  just  been  stated 
to  be  another  manifestation  of  glanders,  is  initiated  in  very  similar  man- 
ner to  acute  glanders.     A  general  swelling  of  the  cutaneous  tissues  takes 


272  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

place  "which  may  increase  and  subside  alternately  for  a  time,  but  suddenly 
a  number  of  distinct  swellings  or  nodules  will  appear,  termed  "  farcy 
buds."    Fig.  136. 

These  specific  tubercles,  so  characteristic  of  farcy  in  either  its  acute 
or  chronic  form,  are  situated  in  the  cutis,  or  the  subcutaneous  connective 
tissue;  or  they  may  penetrate  deeper,  affecting  the  muscles.  Individually 
they  vary  in  size  from  a  pea  to  a  hazel-nut. 

In  a  few  days  central  softening,  and  disintegration,  with  rupture  of 


Fig.  136. 
Farcy  buds. 


skin,  take  place  in  these  individually.  The  openings  or  sores  thus  formed, 
now  known  as  farcy  ulcers,  are  deej),  angry  looking,  with  rounded  ragged 
edges;  they  are  disposed  to  extend  and  discharge  a  foul,  grayish-white 
creamy  liquid  tinged  with  blood.  These  buds,  or  nodules,  are  often  de- 
veloped in  groups  clustered  over  a  limited  space,  and  the  ulcerative  pro- 
cess proceeding  with  much  rapidity  from  each  centre,  shortly  converts 
two  or  more  of  the  original  chancres  into  one  large,  many-pitted,  irregu- 
lar-margined ulcer. 

The  discharge  from  these  sores  is  very  abundant;  and,  although 
mostly  distributed  over  the  adjacent  surface,  does  in  some  cases,  and  to 
a  limited  extent,  collect  and  harden  in  brownish  crusts  around  the  open- 
ings of  the  sores. 

In  addition  to  the  existence  of  these  buds,  or  ulcerating  sores,  we 
have  also  a  characteristic  prominent,  projecting,  or  corded  condition  of 
the  lymphatics.  The  inflammation  of  these  vessels  may  take  place  coin- 
cident with  the  appearance  of  the  nodes,  and  previous  to  their  suppura- 
tion; or  it  may  not  be  obvious  until  the  open  suppurating  sore  has  been 
established.  These  vessels,  when  thus  affected,  seem  and  feel  full  and 
hard,  as  well  as  being  painful  to  the  touch — in  these  respects  resembling 
the  nodules  and  infiltrations.     Not  unfrequentlythe  termination  of  acute 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  273 

farcy  is  the  development  of  glauders  in  an  acute  form,  with  all  the  char- 
acteristic lesions  in  the  nasal  chambers,  glands,  and  air-passages. 

Chronic  farcy  is  not  usually  accompanied  by  the  same  degree  of  con- 
stitutional disturbances  as  the  other  forms  of  equina.  Circumscribed  swell- 
ings appear  generally  in  those  parts  of  the  body  where  the  skin  is  thin- 
nest; the  changes  which  occur  in  these  tumors  are  the  same  as  those 
described  in  acute  farcy.  The  lymphatic  glands  are  inflamed  and  swollen 
and  form  a  corded  network  in  the  skin. 

The  physical  appearances  and  characters  of  these  *  cords,'  or  inflamed 
lymph-vessels,  are  not  always  precisely  similar.  Generally  of  the  thick- 
ness of  a  goose-quill,  they  are  rarely,  either  in  their  bulk  or  the  uniform 
resistance  or  tension  of  the  swelling,  continuously  alike.  At  irregular 
points  along  their  course,  usually  at  the  situations  of  the  so-called  valves, 
there  are  dilatations  or  small- circumscribed  spots  of  induration  and  ele- 
vation of  tissue,  which  have  not  inappropriately  been  likened  to  a  string 
of  beads  or  pearls.  When  these  small  indurated  swellings  are  fairly  de- 
veloped they  do  not  often  disappear,  but,  like  the  primary  farcy  bud, 
gradually  take  on  ulterior  changes,  terminating  in  central  softening  and 
discharge  of  puriform  material.  These  smaller  buds  further  comport 
themselves  in  a  precisely  similar  manner  to  the  larger  ones,  by  widening 
through  ulceration,  and  ultimately  coalescing,  thereby  forming  not 
merely  an  ulcerous  sore,  but  an  ulcerous  sinuous  tract  or  cavity;  these 
unhealthy  secreting  sinuosities  have  generally  been  known  as  'farcy- 

Treatment. — No  known  methods  of  treatment  avail  to  do  more  than 
prolong  life.  An  animal  in  wliich  either  glanders  or  farcy  is  suspected 
should  be  at  once  isolated,  and  as  soon  as  the  disease  is  clearly  manifested, 
it  is  best  to  be  destroyed  at  once. 


ERYSIPELAS. 

Definition. — A  specific  febrile  disease  accompanied  by  inflammation 
of  the  skin  and  subjacent  tissues,  followed  by  swelling  which  usually 
spreads  rapidly,  by  an  eruption,  and  by  pain. 

Etiology. — Weak  and  exhausted  animals  are  most  subject  to  it.     It 

generally  succeeds  wounds  of  the  legs. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  erysipelas  are  thus  stated  by  Kobin- 
18 


274  VETEKINABY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

son:  In  the  cellulo-cutayieous  variety,  which  is  probably  the  most  com- 
monly met  with  in  the  lio?se — indeed  there  is  some  doubt  whether  in  him 
the  skin  is  ever,  in  a  pure  and  uncomplicated  form,  the  seat  of  this  mor- 
bid action,  bat  is  not  in  every  form  complicated  with  the  invasion  more 
or  less  of  the  subjacent  cellular  tissue — the  effusion  into  the  subdermal 
connective  structure  is  at  first  purely  serous,  and  consequently  the  swell- 
ing resulting  from  this  infiltration  pits  easily  on  pressure,  the  indenta- 
tion being  as  rapidly  filled  up  again  Avhen  the  pressure  is  removed.  As 
the  disease  advances,  however,  the  effusion  is  more  strictly  inflammatory, 
the  pain  is  greater,  the  skin  feels  resisting,  tension  being  increased;  the 
material  extravasated  is  less  susceptible  of  indentation  when  pressed 
upon,  and  the  parts  acquire  a  firm,  brawny  feeling. 

The  presence  of  numerous  well-defined  vesicles,  although  a  character- 
istic symptom  of  the  disease,  is  nevertheless.not  met  with  in  every  case, 
and  the  serous  exudation  found  jDreceding  as  well  as  accompanying  them 
occurs  at  intervals  over  considerable  areas  of  the  skin.  The  tendency  of 
the  epidermis  to  become  detached  is  well  shown  by  pressing  on  the  vesi- 
cles, Avhen  the  contained  fluid  is  readily  distributed  over  a  large  surface; 
while  the  character  of  this  fluid  may  be  taken  as  a  fair  criterion  of  the 
severity  or  malignancy  of  the  seizure:  it  is  more  truly  serous  in  the 
milder  forms,  and  bloody  and  albuminous  in  the  less  benignant. 

When  the  inflammation  in  the  subcutaneous  tissue  has  terminated  in 
the  process  of  suppuration,  or  when  patches  of  skin  are  losing  their  vital- 
ity, ultimately  to  be  removed  by  sloughing,  the  hair  falls  off  or  is  easily 
removed,  and  the  skin  appears  of  a  leaden  hue  and  of  a  moist  feeling. 

The  recognition  of  erysipelas,  although  ordinarily  not  a  difficult  mat- 
ter, may  in  particular  instances  be  confounded  with  some  of  those  dis- 
turbances in  which  haemal  contamination  is  a  prominent  feature,  as  scar- 
latina or  purpura,  with  acute  farcy,  or  with  lymphangitis.  With  the 
exercise  of  a  little  care,  however,  it  is  easily  enougii  differentiated  from 
all  of  these.  From  scarlatina  it  is  distinguished  by  its  non-association 
with  a  previously  diseased  condition,  and  by,  in  the  severer  cases,  the 
more  sthenic  character  of  the  pyrexia!  and  inflammatory  symptoms.  In 
erysipelas  the  tumefaction  of  the  limb  is  uniform  and  firm,  not  in  patches 
as  in  scarlatina;  although  both  have  oozing  of  serous  fluid  from  the  skin, 
the  manner  of  oozing  is  different.  In  erysipelas  pain  on  manipulation  is 
more  marked,  while  in  scarlatina  there  are  no  circumscribed  or  diffused 
ruptures  of  the  cutaneous  tissue;  infiltration  and  swelling  of  gland-tex- 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  275 

tures  are  characteristic  of  scarlatina,  not  so  of  erysipelas.  From  purpura 
it  differs  by  the  more  sthenic  character  of  the  entire  morbid  process,  by 
the  local  tumefaction  being  uniform  and  confined  to  one  particular  part 
ox  the  body,  usually  the  limbs,  and  most  frequently  a  hind  limb;  while 
in  purpura  the  swellings  are  irregularly  distributed,  sharply  defined,  and 
the  head  is  early  and  markedly  affected  by  these.  The  swellings  in  pur- 
pura are  also  comparatively  painless,  not,  as  in  ersipelas,  acutely  sensi- 
tive. 

From  the  local  swelling  of  acute  farcy  it  differs  in  that  here  we  have 
no  corded  lymphatics  nor  any  of  the  peculiar  growths,  farcy  buds  or 
nodules;  for  although  there  may  be  sores  in  both  cases,  the  character  of 
these  sores  is  dissimilar;  they  have  no  hard  base  and  circumference  of  in- 
durated tissue  as  in  farcy,  while  the  exquisitely  sensitive  condition  of  the 
entire  dermal  surface,  so  marked  in  erysipelas,  is  not  so  prominent  in 
farcy. 

With  lymphangitis  it  has  certain  resemblances,  particularly  in  the 
early  stages  of  both  affections;  as  the  disease  progresses,  however,  there 
is  little  danger  of  their  being  confounded,  while  all  through  their  respec- 
tive courses  there  are  certain  distinguishing  features.  In  lymphangitis 
the  swelling,  heat,  and  tenderness  appear  first  in  the  inguinal  region,  and 
after  a  time  extend  downwards;  in  erysipelas  the  same  local  conditions 
almost  invariably  originate  in  the  vicinity  of  the  hock,  or  between  that 
joint  and  the  fetlock,  and  extend  in  both  directions.  There  is  rarely  any 
exudation  from  the  skin  in  ordinary  lymphangitis,  and  never  any  of  the 
vesication,  local  gangrene  and  sloughing  sores  so  characteristic  of  erysip- 
elas; nor  is  there  any  liability  to  structural  changes  in  the  membrane  of 
the  mouth  and  upper  air-passages. 

Treatment. — Usually  erysipelas  runs  its  course  in  ten  to  fourteen 
days.  Fomentations  of  warm  water  to  the  affected  parts,  and  smear  with 
an  ointment  of: 

Extract  of  belladonna, 

Lard aa|i. 

The  bowels  should  be  opened  by  a  cathartic  of  from  six  to  eight  drachms 
of  powdered  aloes  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses  to  form  one  ball.  After 
it  has  operated  give  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron  in  two  to  four  drachm 
doses  every  four  hours.     If  there  is  much  constitutional  disturbance,  it 


276  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

■will  be  advisable  to  administer  tincture  of  aconite,  twenty  drops  in  water 
every  four  or  five  hours. 


PURPURA  HEMORRHAGICA. 

Synonyms. — Spotted  fever;  Cliarbon. 

Definition. — An  eruptive  non-contagious  fever,  characterized  by  the 
appearance  of  petechial  or  blood  spots  upon  the  mucous  membranes. 

Etiology. — It  is  usually  the  sequel  of  some  other  disease,  in  conse- 
quence of  keeping  the  horse  in  a  debilitated  condition,  in  badly  drained 
and  ventilated  stables.  It  rarely  occurs  where  pure  air,  clean  floors,  and 
abundant  ventilation  are  provided. 

Symptoms. — Usually  the  earliest  symptom  which  awakens  our  sus- 
picion,  or  which  yields  indications  of  the  onset  of  purpura,  is  tha 
appearance  of  the  local  swellings.  These  swellings  are  diagnostic;  they 
are  sudden  in  their  appearance,  occurring  in  different  parts  of  the  body, 
generally  the  limbs,  the  abdomen,  or  the  head,  particularly  the  inferior 
portion  of  the  face  and  around  the  nostrils  and  mouth.  They  are  some- 
times limited  or  in  patches,  often  uniform  when  in  connection  with  the 
limbs,  always  elevated  above  the  level  of  the  surrounding  skin,  and 
terminating  abruptly,  not  gradually  by  shading  off  into  the  level  of  sur- 
rounding parts.  They  are  tense,  pitting  slightly  on  pressure,  but  neither 
very  hot  nor  very  painful. 

Very  early  in  the  course  of  the  disease,  or  it  may  be  delayed  for  some 
time,  the  condition  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nasal  cavities  is  al- 
tered. It  is  at  first  merely  heightened  in  color,  and  studded  with  pete- 
chise,  which  gradually  extend,  chiefly  by  coalescing,  until  they  cover  the 
greater  portion  of  the  septum  which  is  visible,  and  steadily  assume  a 
darker  color;  or  they  may  be  observed  to  alter  in  color,  as  also  in  extent, 
with  the  changes  and  remissions  of  the  other  symptoms.  When  these 
blood-spots  and  submucous  blood-extravasations  are  fairly  established  in 
connection  with  the  nasal  structures,  we  observe  that  a  sero-sanguineous 
fluid,  or  blood,  of  a  darker  color  than  natural,  and  not  disposed  to  coag- 
ulate, trickles  from  the  nostrils. 

From  the  infiltration  of  the  subcutaneous  tissue  of  the  external,  and 
the  submucous  of  the  upper  and  internal  air-passages,  and  consequent 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC   DISEASES.  277 

swelling,  the  breathing  becomes  embarrassed  or  accompanied  with  a 
troublesome  cough. 

Treatment. — The  first  step  must  be  to  remove  the  animal  from  all 
offensive  smells,  bad  drainage,  and  bad  ventilation. 

Pure  air,  light,  warmth,  and  comfort  are  the  first  essentials. 
Secondly,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  great  danger  of  a  suddenly- 
fatal  termination  is  from  extravasation  into  some  internal  organ,  or  even 
into  the  subcutaneous  tissues. 

For  the  purpose  of  overcoming  this  tendency  to  extravasation,  astrin- 
gents, as  the  tincture  of  the  chloride  of  iron,  are  sometimes  successfully 
employed.  If  these  are  given  in  combination  with  an  oleaginous  purga- 
tive, any  astringent  effect  which  they  might  otherwise  exercise  on  the 
alimentary  canal  is  prevented. 

Tincture  of  chl  oride  of  iron ^  i. 

Linseed  oil 1  pint 

It  must,  however,  be  remembered  that  extravasations  depend  more 
upon  the  condition  of  the  blood  than  upon  the  blood-vessels,  and  reme- 
dies which  are  calculated,  either  by  their  antiseptic  or  oxidizing  properties, 
to  alter  the  abnormally  fluid  condition  of  the  blood,  are  better  calculated 
to  attain  the  object  than  those  which  merely  act  upon  an  effect  of  the 
disease.  For  this  reason,  the  chlorate  of  potash  has  been  prescribed,  and 
with  marked  results. 

Chlorate  of  potassium 3  iij.  to  3  iv. 

in  food  or  water  three  times  daily  for  three  days,  after  which  time  Rob- 
inson advises  its  use  in  doses  of 

Chlorate  of  potassium 3  ij. 

Nitrate  of  potassium . . .  3  i. 

The  salts  of  iron  usually  employed  are  the  sulphate  or  solution  of  the 
chloride — the  former  is  to  be  preferred,  combined  with  diluted  sulphuric 
acid — thirty  grains  of  the  sulphate  with  half  a  fluid  drachm  of  the  acid 
in  cold  water  twice  or  thrice  daily.  This  may  either  be  given  alter- 
nately from  the  commencement  of  the  treatment  with  the  chlorate  of 
potash,  or  its  administration  may  be  deferred  for  some  days,  and  then 


278  VETERINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUKGEEY. 

employed  in  this  alternate  manner.  When  benefit  does  not  seem  to  fol- 
low the  use  of  the  iron  salt  in  conjunction  with  the  potash  compound, 
when  the  local  swellings  do  not  give  evidence  of  subsidence,  the  substi- 
tution of  the  oil  of  turpentine  for  the  former  is  advisable;  the  quantities 
to  be  administered  being  from  six  to  ten  fluid  drachms  in  combination 
with  linseed  oil,  good  gruel,  raw  eggs,  or  a  combination  of  the  last  two. 

In  those  cases  where  exhaustion  and  depression  are  great,  and  where 
sufficient  food  is  not  being  taken  into  the  system,  a  steady  but  moderate 
stimulation  is  indicated;  this  may  be  accomplished  while  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  medicines  already  mentioned  is  being  carried  out,  and 
alcoholic  are  to  be  preferred  to  the  ammoniacal  stimulants. 

If  the  head  be  much  swollen,  and  there  be  a  difficulty  in  breathing 
from  tumefaction  of  the  nostrils,  continuous  cold  sponging  must  be 
ordered.  The  sponge  may  be  dipped  in  cold  water  or  in  some  weak 
astringent  solution — vinegar  and  water,  or  the  terchloride  of  iron  tinc- 
ture, largely  diluted;  if  the  cold  sponging  fails  to  reduce  the  swelling, 
warm  may  be  substituted,  particularly  if  the  weather  be  very  cold;  but 
beyond  doing  this  to  the  head,  I  am  of  opinion  that  all  other  interfe- 
rence does  much  mischief. 

The  swellings  are  but  the  result  of  the  condition  of  the  blood,  and 
when  the  latter  is  restored  to  it^  normal  standard,  the  swellings  will  dis- 
appear. Indeed,  an  abatement  of  the  swelling  in  one  part  of  the  body 
is  of  ten  succeeded  by  tumefaction  in  some  other,  and  perhaps  more  im- 
portant structure  or  organ.  The  swellings  are  generally  metastatic,  and 
when  they  are  confined  to  those  parts  of  the  body  where  they  cannot  en- 
danger life,  it  is  far  better  to  leave  them  alone.  They  should  not  be 
punctured. 


SCARLATINA. 

Synonym. — Scarlet  fever. 

Definition. — A  febrile  disease,  characterized  by  an  eruption  on  the 
skin,  petecliial  spots  on  the  nose,  soreness  of  the  throat,  and  sometimes 
suppuration  in  various  parts  of  the  body,  particularly  in  the  submaxillary 
space. 

Unlike  the  scarlatina  which  attacks  the  humau  being,  it  is  a  non- 
contagious disease,  generally  attacking  but  one  or  two  horses  in  a  large 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  279 

stable,  amongst  which  some  form  of  epizootic  disease  is  at  the  time  pre- 
valent. 

Etiology. — The  causes  of  scarlatina  in  the  horse  are  not  well  under- 
stood. It  is,  however,  manifest  that  those  which  seem  most  predisposed 
to  it,  have  just  passed  through  some  other  debilitating  disease. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  indicative  of  the  simple  form  of  scar- 
latina seldom  occur  before  the  end  of  the  first  week  of  the  primary 
fever  which  it  may  accompany  or  succeed,  and  frequently  they  are 
delayed  for  a  longer  period.  Unaccountable  depression,  renewal  or  in- 
crease of  febrile  symptoms — according  as  the  previous  fever  has  inter- 
mitted or  only  remitted — not  at  all  indicated  on  the  previous  examina- 
tion of  the  animal,  with  a  slightly  swollen  condition  of  the  eyelids, 
are  most  probably  the  features  which  solicit  a  more  careful  examina- 
tion. The  horse,  when  caused  to  move,  will  show  stiffness  from  the 
swelling  which  exists  over  the  limb.  On  passing  the  hand  over  these  swell- 
ings we  may,  in  certain  situations  where  the  skin  is  thin  and  vascular, 
and  where  the  swelling  is  of  a  patchy  character,  detect  a  certain 
amount  of  moisture  distributed  in  a  dew-like  fashion  over  the  skin;  or 
if  this  exuded  serosity  is  becoming  dry,  the  sensation  imparted  to  the 
fingers  is  similar  to  what  is  felt  on  passing  them  over  a  mildly  vesicated 
surface.  Very  careful  examination  may  detect  the  vesicles  before 
they  rupture  and  discharge  the  serous  fluid.  More  carefully  examining 
the  face  and  head,  to  which  we  are  led  by  the  swollen  eyelids,  there 
will  in  all  likelihood  be  noticed  several  blotches  there  and  over  the 
region  of  the  throat,  which,  although  they  may  not  feel  dry  or  rough  to 
the  touch,  are  yet  to  the  eye  rough-looking,  from  the  open  condition  of 
the  hair.  In  many  cases  there  may  be  very  few  or  no  elevated  patches 
on  either  body  or  limbs,  nothing  save  some  amount  of  oedema;  the  only 
diagnostic  symptoms  being  those  connected  with  the  membrane  of 
the  mouth  and  nose.  When  the  elevated,  exuding,  or  roughened  cu- 
taneous patches  are  j^resent,  the  nasal  and  oral  lesions  are  rarely  absent; 
these  consist  of  numerous  bright-red  dots  or  spots  scattered  over  the 
membrane  both  of  the  nose  and  mouth.  These  blood-spots  are  most  readily 
observed  on  the  membrane  covering  the  nasal  septum  and  on  the  in- 
ner surface  of  the  lips;  they  are  variable  in  size  and  form,  as  also  in 
intensity  or  depth  of  color,  not  only  in  different  cases,  but  in  the  same 
case  on  different  days,  or  even  at  different  periods  of  the  same  day;  their 
size,   number,    and   intensity  of  color  seem  to  bear  a  direct  relation 


280  VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 

to  the  severity  of  the  fever,  and  its  advance  or  defervescence.  At  times 
there  is  coalescence  of  these  spots,  or  a  connection  of  one  with  another 
by  rays  stretching  between  them.  The  general  appearance  of  the  mem- 
brane upon  which  the  punctated  blood-markings  are  situated  is  not,  in 
the  simple  form,  much  changed  in  color.  Many  of  the  circumscribed 
elevations  of  the  cuticular  surface,  when  of  a  light  color,  and  denuded 
of  hair,  show  the  petechial  markings  very  distinctly,  exactly  like  those 
which  exist  on  the  nasal  and  buccal  membrane.  If  the  affection  to  which 
this  scarlatina  has  succeeded  has  not  been  accompanied  with  soreness  of 
the  throat,  such  will  most  probably  now  manifest  itself,  either  accom- 
panying the  rash  or  preceding  it.  In  mild  cases  the  rash  and  blood  spots 
will  disappear  in  a  few  days  and  the  horse  soon  regain  his  strength. 

Treatment. — In  the  milder  forms  of  the  disease  it  is  sufficient  to 
keep  the  animal  in  a  warm,  well-ventilated,  light,  loose  box,  to  feed  it 
on  laxative  food,  and  give  small  and  repeated  doses  of  the  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium, hyposulphite  of  sodium,  or  chlorate  of  potassium,  in  the  food  or 
water,  say  one  drachm.  The  body  must  be  clothed  according  to  the 
weather,  and  the  general  comfort  of  the  animal  attended  to. 

In  the  graver  forms,  the  animal  must  be  carefully  watched,  more  es- 
pecially with  regard  to  its  breathing,  for  in  some  cases  the  glottis  and 
other  structures  of  the  throat  rapidly  swell,  the  larynx  becomes  con- 
stricted, and  the  animal  may  die  from  suffocation.  Whenever  this  is 
threatened,  tracheotomy  must  be  performed;  and  in  all  cases  where  the 
breathing  is  difficult,  and  accompanied  by  a  loud  roaring  noise,  this  op- 
eration is  to  be  resorted  to,  in  order  that  the  animal  may  obtain  pure 
air  to  oxidize  its  already  impure  blood. 

The  throat  is  to  be  repeatedly  bathed  with  hot  water  and  enveloped 
in  warm  poultices,  and  the  animal  made  to  inhale  the  steam  of  hot  water 
by  use  of  the  nose  bag,  Fig.  14.  The  moutk  is  to  be  frequently  washed 
out  T\^itli  salt  and  water,  and  if  the  coryza  is  excessive,  some  of  it  may  be 
applied  to  the  nose.  If  the  face  and  uares  are  swollen,  they  must  be 
frequently  bathed  with  cold  water,  and  afterwards  dressed  with  some 
astringent  lotion,  such  as  a  solution  of  the  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron. 
If  the  bowels  are  very  torpid,  a  gentle  laxative  may  be  administered, 
such  as  one  pint  of  linseed  oil,  but  active  purgation  must  on  no  account 
be  induced;  the  nitrate  of  potassium  may  be  given  freely  in  the  food  or 
water,  and  abundance  allowed  of  the  latter,  which  must  be  cold  and  fresh. 
If  signs  of  purpura  haemorrhagica  supervene,  the  chlorate  of  potassium 


GENERAL,    CONTAGIOUS,    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASES.  281 

must  be  substituted  for  the  nitrate.  If  much  deprossiou  is  present, 
draughts  of  spirits  of  nitrous  ether  may  be  given,  provided  deglutition  is 
not  difficult;  but  if  the  act  of  swallov^ing  causes  pain  and  cough,  nothing 
should  be  forced  upon  the  animal,  or  suffocation  may  ensue.  Indeed, 
where  the  throat  is  very  sore,  even  the  oil  must  be  withheld,  and  the 
bowels  relieved  by  enemas,  or  by  the  sul^jhate  of  magnesia  dissolved  in 
the  horse's  water.  If  he  will  drink  this,  it  has  a  very  good  effect,  but 
many  horses  will  not  drink  at  all  if  salts  are  dissolved  in  their  water. 
After  the  first  few  days,  milk,  or  milk  with  eggs,  is  to  be  allowed  in 
abundance,  in  order  to  support  the  animal  strength.  When  the  secretions 
are  restored  to  their  natural  condition,  and  the  soreness  of  the  throoat  a 
little  abated,  a  small  ball  containing  carbonate  of  ammonia — the  ball  be- 
ing well  oiled — may  be  given  two  or  three  times  a  day  with  great  benefit, 
and  later  on  the  mineral  tonics,  with  bark  or  quinine. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

FLESH  WOUNDS. 

Incised  wounds,  Lacerated  wounds,  Punctured  wounds,  Contused  wounds, 
Wounds  of  the  abdomen,  Frostbite,  Burns,  Scalds,  Poisoned  wounds,  The  Stings 
of  Insects,  The  Poison  of  Snakes,  Acids  and  Alkalies. 

Definition. — A  flesh  wound  is  a  solution  of  continuity  in  tlio  soft 
parts,  suddenly  produced  by  violence. 

Common  flesh  wounds  may  be  divided  into  Incised,  Lacerated,  Punc- 
tured, and  Contused. 

An  Incised  Woukd 

is  made  by  some  sharp,  clean  cutting  instrument,  and  there  is  no  tearing 
or  contusion  of  the  parts.  If  the  wound  is  in  line  with  the  muscular 
fibres,  it  will  not  gape  much  and  can  easily  be  kept  together.  If,  how- 
ever, it  is  across  the  muscles,  the  natural  retraction  will  cause  the  Avound 
to  gape  open,  and  in  the  recess  thus  formed  blood  and  pus  may  collect 
and  retard  the  healing. 

Lacerated  Wounds  are  usually  more  or  less  contused  also.  The  skin 
IS  broken  and  torn  by  the  contusion,  and  its  edges  are  ragged  and  uneven. 
Lacerated  wounds  may  be  simply  an  abrasion  of  the  skin,  or  they  may 
involve  deeper  structures;  the  range  being  from  a  simple  scratch  or 
scrape  to  the  forcible  tearing  off  of  the  horny  part  of  the  foot  or  a  deep  cut 
from  falling  upon  a  sharp  stone,  and  its  gravity,  of  course,  varies  in  the 
same  degree.  Punctured  wounds  are  produced  by  the  penetration  of  a 
sharp  or  blunt  pointed  instrument  into  the  tissue,  usually  to  a  depth  dis- 
proportionate to  the  aperture  of  entrance.  Punctured  wounds  are  the 
most  dangerous  of  all  wounds,  and  for  the  reasons  that,  from  their  depth, 
they  are  liable  to  implicate  arteries,  nerves,  veins,  viscera,  and  deep-seated 


284:  \t;terinary  medicine  and  sukgeky. 

vital  parts;  that  the  parts  which  they  traverse  are  stretched  and  torn, 
and  consequently  are  disposed  to  inflame  and  suppurate;  and  pus,  when 
formed,  has  no  free  exit,  and  is  liable  to  burrow  extensively;  that  foreign 
bodies  may  be  carried  to  great  depth  without  being  suspected,  and  create 
long-continued  irritation;  and  finally,  punctured  wounds  are  most  liable 
to  be  followed  by  tetanus. 

Contused  Woun-ds 

are  injuries  inflicted  by  som'e  blunt  object,  without  perforation  of  the 
skin,  and  its  consequences  are  a  degree  of  concussion  or  benumbing 
which  may  be  severe  without  further  mischief,  as,  for  example,  when  a 
horse  strikes  his  leg  with  the  opposite  foot,  goes  lame  for  a  time,  but 
very  shortly  is  all  right  again.  This  is  called  hrushing  or  interfering, 
and  a  repetition  of  it  v/il).  cause  some  structural  change  in  the  part 
contused. 

Tlie  second  effect  of  contusion  is  a  structural  injury,.varying  in  degree. 
There  may  be  rupture  of  the  smaller  blood-vessels,  and  infiltration  of  the 
blood  into  the  surrounding  tissues,  constituting  ecchymosis,  or  a  large 
blood-vessel  may  be  ruptured,  and  the  blood  extravasated  in  considerable 
quantity,  tearing  up  the  areolar  tissue  in  whicli  it  congulates;  or  if  an 
artery  be  cut,  a  false  or  diffused  aneurism  may  be  the  result. 

The  third  effect  may  be  the  formation  of  a  serous  abscess. 

The  fourth  effect  may  be  the  pulpification,  disorganization,  and  sub- 
sequent mortification  of  the  part  contused,  not  merely  of  its  surface,  but 
of  structures  deeply  imbedded  beneath  the  skin.  Eepeated  contusions 
of  the  coronet  and  pastern,  by  "brushing"  or  ''interfering,"  are  suc- 
ceeded in  the  colder  months  of  the  year  by  violent  inflammation  of  the 
skin  and  subcutaneous  tissues,  and  the  formation  of  abscesses  in  the  parts, 
which  sometimes  endanger  the  life  of  the  animal  by  the  severity  of  the 
accompanying  fever;  whilst  in  other  cases  the  inflammation  extends  into 
the  joints,  rendering  the  case  almost  hopeless. 

Etiology. — Wounds  of  the  flesh  are  produced  by  accidents  chiefly, 
and  are  sometimes  very  serious. 

There  is  a  greater  disposition  in  the  horse  than  in  man  to  suppurative 
action.  Hence  wounds  of  any  extent  seldom  heal  completely  in  the 
horse  by  direct  union  or  by  adhesion.  These  modes  should,  however,  be 
sought  for  and  obtained  as  far  as  possible  in  each  case,  with  the  view  of 
reducing  the  size  of  the  part  requiring  to  be  filled  up  by  granulations. 


FLESH    WOUNDS.  285 

Treatment. — In  the  general  treatment  of  wounds,  attention  should 
first  be  directed  to  cleansing  the  injured  parts  from  all  foreign  bodies,  as 
far  as  possible,  by  allowing  lukewarm  water  to  fall  in  a  stream  over  it 
from  the  mouth  of  a  vessel.  It  is  good  practice  to  add  to  the  water  one 
per  cent  of  carbolic  acid.  Or  a  wet  sponge  or  piece  of  fine  tow  may  be 
pressed  on  some  part  above,  from  whence  the  water  may  gently  trickle 
over  the  wound;  but  the  abraded  surface  itself  should  be  touched  as 
little  as  possible.  Fig.  1.  Any  large  particles  of  gravel  or  dirt  may 
be  carefully  removed  by  the  forcej)s.  It  is,  however,  a  mistake  to  irritate 
a  wound  by  over-anxiety  to  cleanse  it  thoroughly.  Nature  will  by  her  own 
processes  remove  with  less  irritation  than  man  can  do  any  foreign  matters 
which  may  be  so  imbedded  as  not  to  come  away  by  the  simple  washing 
recommended. 

If  there  is  any  hemorrhage,  it  should  be  stopped  at  once,  for  which 
jDurpose,  in  ordinary  cases,  the  application  of  cold,  styptics,  or  pressure  is 
generally  sufficient.  If  the  blood  persists  in  oozing  out  and  an  artery  is 
not  involved,  the  application  of  persulphate  of  iron  will  control  it.  There 
is  usually  very  little  bleeding  in  lacerated  wounds,  sometimes  great  sore- 
ness, and  considerable  inflammation;  this  should  be  treated  with  fomen- 
tations of  hot  water  on  them,  or  form  thickness  of  flannel  or  a  soft  bit 
of  rag,  or  lint,  or  a  mild  poultice  may  be  applied  with  good  effect: 

Linsed  meal 2  parts 

Brewer's  yeast 1  part 

Boiling  water enough 

Always  have  poultices  warm  when  put  on.  If,  however,  the  hemor- 
rhage be  arterial,  a  ligature  or  acupressure  will  probably  be  necessary;  the 
latter  is  preferable,  as  it  causes  less  suppuration. 

The  best  dressing  for  wounds  which  comply  with  the  conditions  re- 
quired for  direct  union  is  collodion.  It  effectually  excludes  the  air,  and 
direct  union,  or  at  least  union  by  adhesion,  is  likely  to  occur.  The  ban- 
dages which  retain  the  dressing  should  not  be  removed  for  some  days. 
The  dressing,  of  course,  must  not  be  applied  until  the  bleeding  has 
ceased  and  the  wound  has  been  cleansed.  It  will  be  necessary  to  remove 
the  hair  round  the  part,  before  the  dressing  is  applied. 

For  wounds  capable  of  being  healed  by  adhesion,  lint  steeped  in  blood 
or  in  tincture  of  benzoin  or  collodion  may  be  applied.  Where  collodion 
is  used,  the  hair  about  the  part  must  be  removed. 


286  VETEKINARY    MEDICINE   AND   SURGEEY. 

For  wounds  intended  to  be  healed  by  granulations,  there  is  no  better 
dressing  than  lint  steeped  in  cold  water.  Care  must  be  taken  to  keep 
the  lint  moist,  and  for  this  purpose  it  may  be  covered  with  oil-silk  or 
thin  India-rubber. 

All  wounds  healing  by  granulations  must  fill  up  gradually /ro??i  the 
bottom.  It  must  be  remembered  that  there  is  a  greater  tendency  to  union 
in  the  edges  of  the  skin  and  in  parts  near  the  skin  than  in  the  deeper  tis- 
sues. Hence  all  deep  wounds  requn-e  to  be  kept  open,  until  we  are  assured 
that  the  healing  process  is  fully  completed  from  the  lowest  part.  This  ob- 
ject may  generally  be  attained  by  inserting  a  piece  of  dry  lint  between 
the  edges  of  the  wound. 

The  formation  of  a  slight  scab  over  the  exterior  of  a  wound  is  useful 
in  many  cases  as  a  protection  against  the  irritating  effects  of  the  air  and 
accidental  abrasion;  but  no  dense  firm,  unyielding  scab  should  be  per- 
mitted to  form  or  remain,  because  it  will  unduly  check  the  natural  exu- 
dation of  the  matter  which  in  such  wounds  always  forms.  The  matter, 
if  confined,  will  collect  until  at  last  it  bursts  out  by  some  large  irregular 
opening,  or,  if  unable  to  obtain  an  exit,  will  burrow  in  the  deep-seated 
tissues  and  cause  extensive  mischief. 

If  a  wound  which  is  healing  either  by  scabbing  or  by  granulations  be- 
comes indolent,  and  the  healing  process  is  slow  and  imperfect,  it  may  be 
necessary  to  rouse  the  parts  to  more  energetic  'action.  If  the  wound  is 
merely  in  the  skin,  the  edges  of  it  may  be  removed  with  the  knife,  and 
the  cut  surfaces  brought  into  contact  and  kept  together  by  sutures  or 
sticking  plaster.     In  other  cases,  caustic  may  be  applied  to  the  wound. 

Indolence  in  the  healing  process  is  a  sign  of  constitutional  debility. 
Hence  in  addition  to  local  measures  the  general  health  should  be  care- 
fully attended  to. 

In  some  indolent  wounds,  and  especially  in  those  over  the  coronet, 
there  is  often  a  disposition  to  excessive  and  unhealthy  granulations, 
otherwise  called  proud  flesh.  This  disposition  must  be  kept  in  check  by 
the  application  of  some  styptic,  such  as  sulphate  of  copper  or  zinc, 
nitrate  of  silver,  or  alum,  and  in  some  cases,  where  it  can  be  conveniently 
applied,  by  pressure.  When  granulations  form  in  masses,  matter  will 
often  be  found  under  them,  which  is  apt  to  burrow  in  sinuses,  unless  an 
opening  be  made  for  it. 

In  all  wounds  it  is  an  object  of  much  importance  to  keep  the  part  in  a 
state  of  rest.    In  some  parts  a  certain  degi'ee  of  motion  cannot  be  avoided. 


FLKSH    WOUNDS.  287 

bnt  an  endeavor  should  be  made  to  lessen  it  as  far  as  possible.  For 
instance,  if  the  jaw  be  injured,  it  is  desirable  to  place  the  patient  on 
sloppy  diet  which  will  not  require  much  mastication.  In  wounds  of  the 
leg,  advantage  may  be  taken  of  particular  kmds  of  shoes,  such  as  those 
raised  at  the  heels  or  at  the  toes,  according  to  the  circumstances  of  the 
particular  case.  In  some  cases  the  patient  will  require  to  be  tied  up  #o 
prevent  his  moving  about,  while  in  other  cases  a  cradle  will  be  needed  to 
prevent  his  gnawing  the  wound  with  his  teeth. 

Sutures  are  useful  in  bringing  together  the  edges  of  the  skin  in  parts 
where  there  is  but  little  flesh,  such  as  on  the  forehead,  the  nose,  and  the 
eyelids;  but  they  do  not  answer  in  fleshy  parts,  because  the  weight  of  the 
flesh  and  the  swelling  arising  from  the  attendant  inflammation  generally 
bursts  them.  In  such  cases,  the  needful  apposition  of  the  parts  is  best 
promoted  and  maintained  by  bandages.  Again  sutures  are  not  advisable 
where  the  edges  of  the  wound  are  much  torn,  or  where  there  are  foreign 
bodies  lodged  in  it,  because  the  inflammation  and  suppuration  which 
ensue  in  such  cases  are  aggravated  by  the  confinement  of  the  matter,  and 
in  the  end  the  sutures  generally  break  away. 

Sutures  are  best  applied  by  means  of  a  curved  needle.  Fig.  26.  In- 
terrupted sutures  answer  better  than  continuous,  because  the  process  of 
healing  by  direct  union  or  by  adhesion  is  seldom  complete  in  the  horse, 
for  reasons  already  mentioned,  and  hence  the  matter  which  forms  needs 
frequent  means  of  escape.  The  twisted  suture  made  by  two  needles  and 
a  skein  of  tow  or  silk  twisted  over  them.  Fig.  32,  answers  very  well  in  a 
small  incised  wound,  such  as  that  caused  by  bleeding  in  the  neck. 

In  extensive  wounds,  a  flexible  silver  wire  suture  is  often  used  in  pre- 
ference to  silk,  because  it  does  not  absorb  the  effused  matters,  and  hence 
also  is  less  likely  to  slough  out.  In  extensive  wounds,  however,  espe- 
cially in  fleshy  parts,  bandages  answer  better  than  sutures. 

A  bandage  should  be  adjusted  very  evenly,  and  not  so  tight  as  to  ob- 
struct the  circulation  or  to  cause  pain.  When  circumstances  admit  of  it, 
the  bandage  should  be  applied  above  and  below,  but  not  over  the  wound. 
This  arrangement  will  enable  the  dressing  to  be  easily  changed  without 
the  necessity  of  removing  the  bandage  each  time. 

True  skin,  when  onco  destroyed,  is  never  reproduced.  Its  place  is 
supplied  by  a  cicatrix,  which  is  formed  of  fibro-cellular  tissue  covered  by 
epithelium.  A  cicatrix  differs  from  true  skin  mainly  in  not  containing 
sebaceous  follicles  or  hair. 


288  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

The  constitutional  effects  of  sucli  wounds  as  it  is  worth  our  while  to 
treat  in  the  horse  are  in  general  not  very  serious. 

Traumatic  fever  sometimes  ensues,  but  usually  subsides  in  a  few  days. 
Temporary  debility  may  follow  any  excessive  loss  of  blood  from  an  incised 
wound,  but  nature  soon  repairs  the  loss. 

The  special  treatment  called  for  by  incised  wounds  is,  1,  To  arrest 
hemorrhage;  2,  To  remove  foreign  bodies;  3,  To  effect  and  maintain  co- 
adaptation;  and  4,  To  guard  against  excessive  inflammation.  (1.)  Hem- 
orrhage, whether  arterial  or  venous,  is  to  be  arrested,  and  this  is  the  first 
thing  that  must  be  attended  to.  If  it  arises  from  a  small  artery  partially 
cut,  blood  of  a  bright-red  color  flows  or  spurts  out  in  jets;  but  if  it  be 
completely  cut  across,  the  ends  contract,  and  the  hemorrhage  ceases.  In 
some  cases  the  bleeding  will  continue  although  the  artery  be  divided  com- 
pletely across,  or  will  take  place  from  time  to  time,  and  prove  serious. 
In  such  instances  the  end  of  tlie  artery  must  be  searched  for,  drawn  out 
by  the  forceps,  and  tied  by  a  ligature;  occasionally  it  will  be  found  nec- 
essary to  enlarge  the  wound  to  do  this  effectually. 

Venous  bleeding  is  generally  easily  arrested  by  moderate  pressure,  or 
by  an  astringent  application,  such  as  a  solution  of  the  tincture  of  terchlo- 
ride  or  the  persulphate  of  iron.  As  a  rule,  even  these  slight  applications 
are  unnecessary,  venous  bleeding  stopping  spontaneously  if  the  wound  is 
exposed  to  cold  air;  but  if  a  large  vein  be  Avounded,  it  is  often  necessary 
to  tie  it  with  a  ligature. 

When  the  bleeding  is  arrested,  all  clots  of  blood,  dirt,  and  foreign 
bodies  are  to  be  removed  as  stated  under  general  treatment. 

In  wounds  where  muscular  fibres  are  deeply  cut,  it  is  recommended 
that  the  wound  should  remain  open  for  about  eight  hours,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  allowing  the  discharges  of  blood  and  serum  to  escape;  or  if  sutures 
are  immediately  employed,  they  should  be  applied  in  such  a  loose  manner 
as  to  allow  the  blood  and  serosity  to  escape,  and  all  clots  which  may  after- 
ward form  washed  out.  This  is  good  practice,  and  insures  healing  by 
adhesion  in  many  cases  that  would  otherwise  run  on  to  the  more  tardy 
process  of  granulation.  In  many  large  wounds  sufficient  room  for  the 
escape  of  the  discharges,  which  are  always  profuse  for  the  first  few  hours, 
may  be  obtained  by  omitting  one  or  even  two  sutures  at  the  most  depen- 
dent part  of  the  wound,  which,  if  it  be  paralled  to  the  axis  of  the  limb 
and  the  direction  of  the  muscular  fibres,  is  easily  brought  together  and 
maintained  so  by  a  few  sutures,  placed   about  an  inch  apart.    If  the 


FLESH    WOUNDS.  289 

wound  be  transverse  to  the  direction  of  the  limb  or  muscular  fibres,  with 
a  cavity  formed  by  the  retraction  of  the  divided  muscular  fibres,  it  is 
difficult  to  bring  its  lips  into  apposition;  and  when  they  are  coapted  by 
firm  and  strong  sutures,  the  skin  into  which  they  are  inserted  is  almost 
sure  to  slough,  the  process  of  healing  being  at  the  same  time  retarded  by 
the  irritation  set  up,  and  the  blemish  increased  to  a  considerable  extent. 
In  such  cases  the  best  plan  is  to  bring  the  lips  together  at  their  extremi- 
ties, using  the  quilled  suture,  and  leave  a  gap  at  the  central  portion  of 
the  wound;  or,  if  the  cavity  be  very  deep  and  in  a  downward  direction, 
it  may  be  necessary  to  make  a  counter-opening  as  its  inferior  part,  to 
allow  the  discharges  to  escape.  If  such  be  the  case,  the  lips  of  the 
original  wound  are  to  be  brought  together,  and  it  is  possible  they  may 
heal  by  the  adhesive  process. 

The  edges  of  wounds  are  kept  in  apposition  by  means  of  sutures, 
pins,  plasters,  and  bandages.  Plasters  are  rarely  used  in  veterinary 
practice,  but  their  employment,  especially  in  wounds  in  the  lower 
portions  of  the  extremities,  may  with  advantage  be  preferred  to  that  of 
sutures,  as  they  cause  no  blemish.  A  longitudinal  or  even  transverse 
wound  situated  on  a  leg  is  easily  brought  together  by  plasters,  over  which 
a  moderately  firm  bandage  can  be  applied;  and  a  wound  so  treated  will 
heal  in  less  time,  and  leave  a  smaller  blemish,  than  when  sutures  are 
employed. 

Various  forms  of  sutures  are  employed  for  keeping  the  edges  of 
wounds  together;  the  interrupted  suture,  Fig.  28,  is,  however,  the  form 
mostly  in  use,  and  the  material  ''  the  metallic  suture  wire."  The  wire 
causes  less  irritation  than  thread,  and  is  to  be  always  used  in  prefer- 
ence. 

Contused  wounds  generally  contain  serum  or  a  mixture  of  blood  and 
serum  under  the  skin.  Unless  very  extensive  injury  is  apparent,  the  ap- 
plication of  a  stimulating  liniment  will  be  serviceable: 

Gum  camphor li. 

Olive  oil §  ij. 

Dissolve  the  camphor  in  the  oil;  if  a  more  active  action  is  desired,  add  to 
the  above: 


Oil  of  turpentine 3  i- 

19 


290  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND   SURGERY. 

In  the  progress  of  any  serious  contused  wound,  there  are  two  distinct 
periods,  namely,  the  sej)aration  of  the  slough  produced  by  the  contusion, 
and  that  of  the  repair  of  the  chasm  by  granulations.  If  the  parts  around 
are  much  bruised,  superficial  slough  may  ensue  to  a  considerable  extent.  In 
this  case  clean  the  raw  surface  withcastile  soap  and  warm  Avater,  to  which 
is  added  one  per  cent  of  carbolic  acid.  Keep  the  part  clean  and  covered 
with  healing  ointment: 

Prepared  carbonate  of  zinc §  ss. 

Lard |  iij. 

Lay  a  fold  or  two  of  soft  rags  on  it  to  protect  it.  If  the  wound  does  not 
heal  readily,  add  to  this  ointment  a  little  turpentine.  Before  healthy 
granulations  can  form,  the  wound  must  discharge  itself  of  all  dead 
matter.    Minor  contused  wounds  do  not  generally  run  to  sloughing. 

The  great  principle  in  the  treatment  of  contused  luounds  is  to  render 
them  of  a  simple  character  by  giving  to  the  confined  matter  and  extrava- 
sated  blood  a  free  exit  by  making  an  incision  at  the  lowest  part.  All 
contused  wounds,  however,,  do  not  require  to  be  opened,  because  the 
effect  of  the  stimulating  liniments  which  may  be  applied  is  often  sufficient 
to  rouse  the  blood-vessels  and  absorbents  to  remove  the  effused  fluids. 
In  all  contused  wounds,  whether  great  or  small,  there  is  always,  it  must 
be  remembered,  some  destruction,  though  it  may  be  very  slight,  of  the 
subcutaneous  tissues  or  muscles.  The  products  resulting  from  such 
causes  must  be  removed.  If  the  powers  of  nature  are  not  sufficient, 
their  more  speedy  removal  must  be  assisted  by  art. 

In  lacerated  loounds,  the  ragged  edges  should  first  be  cut  away  with  a 
pair  of  scissors,  after  which  the  inflammation  at  first  existing  in  the  con- 
tused and  neighboring  parts  must  be  reduced  by  poulticing  before  the 
healing  process  will  commence.  For  a  poultice  boiled  and  mashed  tur- 
nips are  highly  recommended,  or  linseed  meal  may  be  used. 

For  abraded  surfaces,  stypic  collodium  is  an  excellent  application: 

Collodion §  v. 

Carbolic  acid §  ss. 

Tannin 3  ij. 

For  simple  abrasions  of  the  cuticle,  Kennedy's  extract  of  Pinus  canaden- 
sis is  a  very  useful  astringent  and  stimulant. 


FLESH    WOUNDS.  291 

During  the  healing  process,  serum  is  very  apt  to  collect  in  cavities  in 
the  wound.  Though  punctured,  the  sacs  are  apt  to  fill  and  refill,  and 
sometimes  there  is  a  great  deal  of  trouble  in  getting  rid  of  them.  They 
are  best  treated  by  being  freely  laid  open,  and  injected  with  a  one  per 
cent  solution  of  carbolic  acid. 

In  the  special  treatment  of  punctured  wounds,  if  the  puncture  does 
not  extend  into  a  joint  or  through  the  sheath  of  a  tendon,  the  best  plan 
is  to  lay  open  and  convert  them  into  ordinary  incised  wounds.  Inject 
with  one  per  cent  solution  of  carbolic  acid. 

Unless  this  course  is  taken,  much  pain  will  ensue,  because  the  deeper 
tissues,  which  have  been  injured  and  which  will  become  inflamed,  have 
otherwise  no  room  to  swell.  Again,  unless  a  free  opening  is  made,  the 
matter,  which  is  sure  to  arise  from  the  inflammatory  action,  will  burrow 
and  form  abscesses  and  sinuses.  When  this  has  been  done,  apply  warm 
fomentations  frequently,  or,  if  possible  to  keep  them  in  place,  poultices 
of  boiled  turnips  or  linseed  meal  are  preferable.  Subsequently  dress  the 
surface  of  the  wound  with  white  lotion: 

Sulphate  of  zinc, 

Acetate  of  lead aa  3  ij. 

Water 1  pint. 

If  there  is  good  reason  to  think  that  the  puncture  has  penetrated  a 
joint  or  the  sheath  of  a  tendon,  the  case  must  be  treated  as  one  of  open 
joint. 

Wounds  of  the  Abdomen, 
On  account  of  the  structures  which  they  involve,  and  the  danger  of 
intestinal  protrusion,  require  a  specialty  of  management,  more  particu- 
larly when  situated  in  the  inferior  portion  of  the  abdominal  walls. 

1st.  Shallow  punctures,  involving  the  muscles,  but  not  penetrating 
through  the  whole  thickness  of  the  floor  of  the  belly,  are  very  apt  to 
cause  multiple  abscesses.  The  pus  formed  in  the  wound,  being  unable  to 
find  exit  on  account  of  the  smallness  of  the  opening,  burrows  between 
the  abdominal  fascia  and  muscles,  separates  them  from  each  other,  caus- 
ing pain  and  swelling;  at  the  same  time  small  abscesses  form  in  various 
parts,  which  are  difficult  to  heal. 

2d.  Deeper  punctures,  penetrating  almost  or  completely  through  the 
walls,  the  peritoneum  being  divided  or  not  as  the  case  may  be,  are  apt  to 


292  VETERLNAKY  MEDICINE  AND   8UKGEKY. 

become  enlarged  by  the  pressure  of  the  contained  viscera,  and  to  cause 
death  by  allowing  the  protrusion  and  escape  of  the  intestines. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  for  the  first  form  must  be  conducted 
with  the  view  to  allow  the  free  escape  of  pus  and  other  discharges,  and 
for  this  it  may  be  necessary  to  dilate  the  external  opening.  This,  how- 
ever, must  be  done  very  carefully,  or  the  second  danger  may  be  induced. 
Very  often  the  burrowing  of  the  discharges  is  promoted  by  the  drying  of 
the  surface  of  the  wound.  This  is  more  apt  to  prove  injurious  when 
the  hair  is  long,  as  the  hair  and  dry  discharge  become  matted  together 
over  the  opening,  which  is  thus  effectually  jjlugged  up.  Care  must  be 
taken  that  this  does  not  occur,  and  for  its  prevention  the  hair  must  be 
clipped  round  the  orifice,  and  the  parts  carefully  washed  and  kept  clean. 
If  it  is  necessary  to  dilate  the  opening,  the  incision  should  be  shal- 
low, and  along  the  long  axis  of  the  belly.  When  abscesses  form,  it  is 
always  necessary  that  they  should  be  opened  early,  as  the  fascia,  being 
very  tough  and  elastic,  allows  extensive  infiltrations  or  burrowing  of  the 
pus. 

The  deeper  punctures  must  be  treated  with  the  view  to  prevent  the 
escape  of  the  intestines.  The  discharges  from  them  must  be  allowed 
free  exit;  but  whilst  doing  this,  their  extension  by  the  weight  of  the  vis- 
cera must  be  jDrevented,  and  this  may  be  done  very  effectually  by  inclos- 
ing the  body  of  the  patient  in  a  common  bed-sheet,  sewn  firmly  round 
him.  This  will  form  a  suitable  support  to  the  weakened  walls,  and  at 
the  same  time  allow  the  escape  of  the  discharges.  Should  it,  however, 
become  clogged  up  by  the  coagulation  of  these,  a  small  hole  may  be 
made  in  it  immediately  below  the  wound. 

When  the  peritoneal  cavity  is  actually  penetrated,  or  even  when  it  is 
only  nearly  so,  the  medical  treatment  should  be  conducted  with  a  view 
to  lessen  the  danger  of  peritonitis.  Purgatives  are  to  be  withheld,  and 
should  the  pulse  be  at  all  disturbed,  opium  must  be  given,  and  the  large 
bowels  unloaded  by  enemas;  fomentations  to  the  belly  are  to  be  perse- 
vered in  until  the  danger  of  inflammation  is  past. 

Incised  wounds  upon  the  belly  are  to  be  treated  by  strong  sutures, 
the  collodion  or  shellac  paste,  and  the  broad-sheet  bandage;  but  fomenta- 
tions are  not  to  be  applied  as  in  punctured  wounds,  as  they  would  interfere 
with  the  adhesive  process,  unless,  indeed,  the  danger  of  peritonitis  be 
imminent. 

Purgatives   should   never  be   administered   when   the    abdomen    is 


FLESH   WOUNDS.  293 

wounded,  whether  the  wound  be  deep  or  shallow,  as  they  may  excite  the 
most  dangerous  complications. 

Wounds  penetrating  the  walls  may  heal  up  externally,  but  generally 
a  hernia  of  greater  or  lesser  magnitude  remains,  forming  a  permanent 
blemish. 


FROST-BITE. 

The  first  effect  of  cold  is  to  diminish  the  vital  action  of  the  part  to 
which  it  is  applied.  This  state  of  depression,  when  not  continued  too 
long,  is  succeeded  by  a  more  than  usual  activity,  or  reaction;  and  if  this 
alternation  be  oft  repeated,  the  part  becomes  permanently  weakened, 
being  slightly  swelled,  of  a  purple  color  (as  is  well  shown  in  horses  with 
white  heels),  not  so  warm  as  usual,  and  afterward  becomes  inflamed. 
The  skin  will  now  crack,  and  a  discharge  of  sanguineous  matter  take 
place. 

More  intense  cold  not  only  weakens,  but  entirely  suspends  vital 
action.  The  part  becomes  pale,  insensible,  and  shrivelled,  and  is  said  to 
ho  frost-bitten.  The  skm,  particularly  tlie  heel,  will  often  slough  across 
from  side  to  side,  forming  a  strip  of  dead  skin,  underneath  which  is  a 
deep  chasm,  called  a  cracked  heel. 

In  other  instances,  and  particularly  during  long-continued  snowy 
weather,  with  partial  thaws,  succeeded  by  sharp  frosts,  the  deeper-seated 
tissues  of  the  coronet  lose  their  vitality,  and  deep  and  extensive  sloughs 
are  thrown  off,  leaving  the  tendons,  ligaments,  and  even  the  articula- 
tions exposed.  The  animal  now  suffers  from  all  the  agonizing  pain, 
fever,  emaciation,  etc.,  which  characterize  open  joint,  and  too  often  suc- 
cumbs, or  has  to  be  destroyed. 

Treatment. — Treatment  consists  in  the  application  of  poultices  of 
linseed  meal  or  of  boiled  turnips,  succeeded  by  cold  water  and  mild  as- 
triugents,  such  as: 

Sulphate  of  zinc 3  ss. 

Water §  x. 

and  finally  blisters  to  the  coronet.     A  good  blister  for  such  cases  is: 

Biniodide  of  mercury 3  i. 

Lard 3  vi. 


294  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

A  high-heeled  shoe  upon  the  foot  as  soon  as  the  jDoultices  are  discontin- 
ued may  give  relief.  In  the  treatment  of  frost-bites  poultices  should  not 
be  applied  for  too  long  a  period,  for  after  the  slough  is  thrown  off  the 
parts  recover  more  quickly  without  than  with  poultices;  and,  as  a  general 
rule,  frost-bites  are  at  first  best  treated  witli  cold  applications;  but  if 
sloughing  has  commenced,  poultices,  irrigations,  or  fomentations  are  to 
be  employed,  succeeded  by  cold  mild  astringents,  antiseptics,  or  deodor- 
izers, such  as  charcoal. 


BURNS  AND  SCALDS. 

These  are  common  at  iron  works,  and  result  from  horses  falling  on 
hot  dross,  the  bursting  of  steam-pipes,  etc. 

The  division  of  burns  is,  from  time  immemorial,  into  three  classes — 
(1.)  Burns  producing  mere  redness;  (2.)  Those  causing  vesication;  and 
(3.)  Those  causing  death  of  the  part  burnt. 

The  first  class  is  attended  with  mere  superficial  inflammation,  termi- 
nating with  or  without — more  generally  with — desquamation  of  the  cuti- 
cle and  temporary  loss  of  the  hair. 

The  second  class  is  attended  by  a  higher  degree  of  inflammation, 
causing  the  cutis  to  exude  serum,  and  to  form  vesicles,  followed  in  most 
instances  by  suppuration  and  the  formation  of  obstinate  ulcers.  The 
formation  and  increase  of  these  vesicles  may  be  often  prevented  by 
proper  treatment. 

The  third  class  of  burns  is  attended  with  mortification  from  disor- 
ganization of  structure;  the  skin  and  subcutaneous  tissues  being  literally 
roasted  or  broiled,  as  the  case  may  be,  the  blood  coagulated  in  its  vessels, 
and  the  circulation  of  the  part  completely  stopped. 

In  all  cases  of  severe  scalds  or  burns  there  is  more  or  less  supervening 
fever,  manifested  by  shiverings,  coldness  of  the  skin  and  extremities,  pros- 
tration of  strength,  restlessness,  quick  and  feeble  pulse,  and  heavy  or 
sighing  respiration;  the  surface  of  the  burnt  part,  if  destroyed,  will  become 
pale  and  leathery,  the  hair  coming  off  in  patches,  leaving  a  denuded  sur- 
face, from  which  issues  a  thin  serous  discharge.  Swelling  of  the  part  now 
appears,  and  in  about  four  or  five  days  a  line  of  demarcation  surrounds 
the  dead  part;  the  chasm  widens,  the  burnt  portion  contracts  and  dries, 
leaving  the  exposed  granulating  surface  full  in  view;  the  granulations 


FLESH    WOUNDS.  295 

are  white,  spongy,  and  moist;  there  is  no  discharge  of  laudable  pus,  but 
of  a  thinnish  ichorous  matter,  generally  of  a  dirty-white  color.  The 
slough  now  falls  off,  leaving  a  wound  of  more  or  less  magnitude,  accord- 
ing to  the  severity  of  the  burn,  which  takes  many  months  to  heal;  it 
then  leaves  a  cicatrix  of  a  hard,  dense,  cartilaginous  nature,  which  con- 
tracts more  or  less,  pulling  the  surrounding  skin  into  puckered  folds, 
which  ever  afterward  constitute  an  unsightly  blemish. 

The  most  intractable  cases  are  those  where  the  regions  of  the  elbow 
and  shoulder  are  burnt  or  scalded.  Here,  in  consequences  of  the  contin- 
ual action  of  the  parts,  and  the  attrition  caused  by  the  motion  of  the 
chest  against  the  muscles  of  the  inner  part  of  the  arm,  the  wound  never 
heals.  Very  often  the  whole  limb  is  burnt,  exposing  tendons,  muscles, 
and  destroying  the  tissues  j^rotecting  the  articular  cavities;  such  cases 
should  always  be  destroyed  at  once.  But  if  the  gluteal  region  or  thick 
part  of  the  thigh  be  burnt,  involving  none  of  the  joints,  recovery  may 
ensue,  although  the  injury  be  excessive. 

Horses  sometimes  die  from  the  first  shock;  the  animal  sinks  from  col- 
lapse; the  rigors  become  severe,  with  great  restlessness,  feebleness  of  the 
pulse,  sighing  respiration,  rapid  prostration,  and  death. 

Treatment. — In  all  the  curable  cases,  Oarron  oil,  namely,  linseed 
oil  and  lime  water,  in  equal  parts,  is  to  be  applied  frequently.  A  good 
plan  is  to  dredge  this  over  with  flour,  or  if  the  oil  and  lime  water  is  not 
to  be  easily  obtained,  dredging  with  flour  is  a  good  plan,  or  apply  cloths  wet 
with  a  saturated  solution  of  bicarbonate  of  sodium.  The  Carron  oil  and 
flour  prevent  pain,  by  excluding  the  atmosphere;  and  should  neither 
remedy  be  at  hand,  the  parts  may  be  protected  by  cotton  wool  or  anything 
that  will  exclude  the  air.  A  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver,  five  grains  to  the 
ounce  of  water,  to  be  applied  continually,  or  as  often  as  each  application 
dries,  for  several  hours,  is  said  to  be  effective.  Opium  and  stimulants 
are  to  be  administered,  and  the  bowels  acted  upon  by  a  purgative: 


Powdered  aloes 3  vi. 

Powdered  gentian 3  ij. 

Linseed  meal  and  molasses sufficient 

To  make  one  ball. 

This  should  operate  in  ten  or  twelve  hours.     In  about  four  days  pus  will 
form.     The  wound  has  now  to  be  treated  like  any  other  suppurating  sore. 


296  VETERLNABY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

If  the  burn  is  slight,  and  the  structure  of  the  part  merely  inflamed,  the 
white  lotion  is  a  good  application : 

Sulphate  of  zinc, 

Acetate  of  lead aa  3  ij. 

Water 1  pi^t. 


POISONED  WOUNDS. 

The  bites  or  stings  of  insects  cause  a  good  deal  of  irritation  and  pain 
to  animals,  but  are  not  of  much  importance,  and  seldom  come  under 
notice.  They  should  be  treated  by  dilute  ammonia,  or  the  following  is 
recommended  to  allay  the  itching: 

Sulphate  of  zinc gr.  x. 

Water §  ij. 

Sometimes  the  eyes  become  inflamed,  and  the  eyelids  swollen  and  pain- 
ful from  this  cause.  The  best  preventive  is  laurel  water,  applied  to  the 
i:)arts  twice  a  week. 

The  poison  of  snakes  appears  to  cause  death  in  two  ways;  when  very 
strong,  by  directly  destroying  the  irritability  of  the  nervous  system,  like 
some  of  the  most  powerful  narcotic  poisons;  when  less  powerful,  by  dif- 
fuse inflammation  of  the  areolar  tissue,  abscesses,  and  gangrene.  In  the 
first-named  instances  the  symptoms  are  extreme  dej)ression,  and  a  sink- 
ing, feeble,  flickering,  intermittent  pulse,  coldness  of  the  extremities, 
dilated  pupils,  speedy  insensibility,  stupor,  and  death.  In  the  second 
form,  the  symptoms  are  of  the  most  alarming  asthenic  character,  from 
the  moment  of  the  infliction  of  the  bite,  and  are  succeeded,  if  the  patient 
live  sufficiently  long,  by  diffuse  suppuration  and  gangrene.  The  post- 
mortem examinations  of  such  cases  reveal  a  dark,  alkaline,  and  fluid  state 
of  the  blood,  which  emits  a  peculiarly  sickly  odor,  intense  congestion  of 
the  lungs  and  spleen,  with  other  appearances  indicative  of  '  *  death  of  the 
blood  "  (necrasmia). 

The  local  treatment  consists  in  preventing  absorption  into  the  circu- 
lation by  tying  a  ligature  round  the  bitten  limb  upon  the  cardiac  side  of 
the  wound;  the  immediate  excision  of  the  part,  followed  by  the  applica- 


FLESH   WOUNDS.  297 

tion  of  cups  exhausted  of  air  (cupping) ;  followed  by  the  free  use  of  the 
actual  cautery. 

The  constitusioual  treatment  must  be  directed  to  combat  depression 
by  stimulants — wine,  brandy,  whiskey,  or,  according  to  the  latest 
method  practised  in  India,  the  injection  of  ammonia  into  the  veins. 

Sometimes  the  skin  and  subcutaneous  tissues  are  destroyed  by  the 
action  of  some  poisonous  substance,  such  as  the  mineral  or  other  acids, 
caustic  alkalies,  etc.  These  substances,  when  used  intentionally  to  re- 
move morbid  structures,  or  when  applied  to  unhealthy  wounds,  are  called 
caustics.  "When  spilled  upon  or  applied  to  a  large  surface,  their  effects 
are  similar  to  those  of  burns;  they  inflame  and  afterward  destroy  the  part. 
If  concentrated,  they  chemically  destroy  the  vitality  of  the  tissues,  and 
results  like  those  supervening  on  burns  are  the  consequence. 

Treatment. — If  an  acid  has  been  the  cause,  it  is  well  to  wash  the 
parts  in  some  alkaline  solution,  to  neutralize  its  effect  as  much  as  possi- 
ble, and  to  destroy  any  that  may  be  left  on  the  surface.  If  a  caustic  al- 
kali has  been  the  cause,  a  weak  acidulated  solution  is  to  be  used,  such  as 
vinegar  and  Avater,  and  the  after-treatment  must  be  according  to  the 
general  principles  laid  down  for  the  treatment  of  burns. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

ULCEES  AND  FISTULA. 
Ulcers,  Poll-evil,  Fistulous  Withers,  Saddle  and  Harness  Galls. 

ULCERS. 

Definition. — An  ulcer  is  defined  to  be  a  solution  of  continuity 
caused  by  ulceration,  and  its  varieties  in  Veterinary  Surgery  may  be  ar- 
ranged under  six  heads.  1st.  Healthy  ulcer;  2d.  Weak  ulcer;  3d.  Indo- 
lent ulcer;  4:th.  Inflamed  ulcer;  6t7i.  Gangrenous  or  phagedenic,  or 
sloughing  ulcer;  6th.  Specific  ulcer. 

Isf.  The  healthy  ulcer  is  smooth  at  its  edges,  which  are  neither 
everted  nor  inverted,  adherent  to  the  granulations,  and  when  they  rise 
to  a  level  with  the  skin,  a  film  or  cicatrix  is  formed  like  a  semi-transpar- 
ent ring  round  the  edges,  and  gradually  spreads  over  the  wound.  The 
granulations  are  small,  firm,  numerous,  and  of  a  fine  florid  color,  pointed 
at  their  tops,  and  discharging  a  thick  laudable  pus. 

But  little  treatment  is  required  for  this  kind  of  ulcer,  beyond  rest 
and  cleanliness. 

2fZ.  The  weak  ulcer.  The  granulations  are  pale,  large,  flabby,  not 
pointed,  but  even  bulbous  at  their  tops,  less  vascular,  and  less  apt  to 
bleed  on  being  touched  than  those  of  the  healthy  ulcer;  they  are  unat- 
tended with  pain,  rise  above  the  level  of  the  skin,  so  that  the  margins  of 
the  ulcer  are  hid  from  view.     The  discharge  is  thin,  pale,  and  watery. 

This  kind  of  ulcer  is  caused  by  some  debilitating  local  or  general  in- 
fluence. It  is  often  found  in  the  hind  legs  of  low-bred  animals,  and 
arises  in  them  from  the  venous  congestion  and  dropsical  effusion,  which 
are  so  often  met  with  in  round-legged  cart  horses.     It  is  associated  per- 


300  VETEEINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    SUEGEEY. 

haps  with  some  constitutional  weakness,  arising  from  bad  food,  or  other 
cause  of  general  debility.  Healthy  ulcers,  when  improperly  treated,  are 
apt  to  degenerate  to  this  form. 

The  treatment  ought  to  consist  of  some  mild  astringent  dressing,  as 
the  solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc  or  of  copper,  the  periodical  use  of  the 
nitrate  of  silver — say,  every  three  days,  if  thought  requisite — and  the 
careful  application  of  a  bandage,  both  to  the  ulcer  and  to  its  neighborhood, 
in  order  to  stimulate  the  granulations  and  to  correct  the  tendency  to 
congestion.  The  general  system  is  to  be  corrected  by  a  gentle  purgative, 
succeeded  by  tonics  and  diuretics;  at  the  same  time  the  strength  is  to  be 
kept  up  by  good,  nourishing,  but  easily  digestible  food,  dry  food  being 
preferable  to  moist.  The  patient  ought  to  have  regular  exercise,  and 
great  attention  must  be  paid  to  cleanliness. 

dcL  Indolent  ulcer,  found  usually  about  the  coronet  of  old  horses. 
Its  edges  are  thick,  prominent,  comparatively  insensible,  smooth,  shining, 
firm,  incompressible,  and  without  any  appearance  of  cicatrix;  the  sur- 
rounding parts  are  swollen,  hard,  incompressible,  and  if  the  skin  be 
white,  discoloration  will  be  seen  from  congestion  of  the  vessels;  the  sur- 
face of  the  ulcer  is  nearly  devoid  of  granulations,  smooth,  glossy,  and 
whitish,  gray,  or  brown  in  color;  the  discharge  is  thin,  watery,  and 
scanty.  The  treatment  of  this  ulcer  is  by  blister,  succeeded  by  gently 
stimulating  dressings,  but  bandages  do  more  harm  than  good.  The 
constitutional  treatment  must  depend  upon  the  condition  of  the  animal, 
but  generally  a  purgative  is  useful. 

Ath.  Inflamed  ulcer.  The  edges  are  red  or  purple,  swollen,  hot, 
tense,  tender,  and  painful;  the  sore  presents  no  granulations,  but  has  a 
raw,  pulpy,  foul,  and  even  livid  appearance;  the  discharge  is  offensive, 
profuse,  mingled  with  blood  and  ulcerative  debris;  the  pain  is  great,  and 
there  is  always  some  attendant  fever.  This  ulcer  may  be  caused  by  the 
presence  of  some  foreign  body  in  the  part,  which  must  be  removed;  it 
may  be  a  piece  of  dead  tissue,  skin,  ligament,  or  bone,  as  when  this  ulcer 
is  produced  by  a  tread.  Whatever  it  be,  the  first  step  in  the  treatment 
must  be  its  removal.  This  being  done,  the  inflamed  ulcer  must  be  con- 
verted into  a  healthy  one  by  means  calculated  to  subdue  excessive  irri- 
tability. The  most  useful  local  applications  for  this  purpose  are  warm  . 
fomentations  and  poultices,  combined  with  opiates;  the  gederal  treatment 
to  consist  of  a  purgative,  succeeded  by  febrifuges,  and  the  diet  to  be 
light,  and  easy  of  digestion. 


ULCERS    AED   FISTUL.E.  301 

bth.  The  ^phagedenic,  gangrenous,  or  sloughing  ulcer,  which  may 
arise  from  constitutional  debility  or  from  local  causes,  as  frost-bites,  is 
that  in  which  the  edges  are  very  irregular,  and  of  a  dark  purple  appearance, 
extending  a  considerable  way  into  the  surrounding  parts;  they  are  often 
inverted,  and  exceedingly  painful.  The  surface  of  the  ulcer  is  uneven, 
of  a  dark,  livid  color,  presenting  a  very  irritable  appearance  and  much 
surrounding  swelling.  The  discharge  is  thin,  ichorous,  and  mixed  with 
blood.  The  ulcer  enlarges  with  great  rapidity,  the  destructive  process 
being  carried  on  both  by  ulceration  and  sloughing.  In  some  cases  many 
points  of  ulceration  form  in  the  neighborhood  of  each  other,  the  ulcera- 
tion taking  place  around  several  central  sloughs;  these  by  enlargement 
coalesce,  and  ultimately  form  one  large  ulcer,  embracing,  as  in  some 
cases  of  "  carbuncle  of  the  coronary  band,"  a  space  of  several  inches. 
The  treatment  of  this  variety  is  a  matter  of  great  urgency  and  import- 
ance, but  not  always  satisfactory. 

Treatment. — Free  scarifications  of  the  part,  to  relieve  congestion; 
the  removal  of  all  sources  of  irritation,  and  the  application  of  emollient 
and  antiseptic  poultices  or  fomentations,  constitute  the  best  local  treat- 
ment. If  the  ulceration  continues  to  spread,  the  gentle  application  of 
nitrate  of  silver  to  the  edges  may  benefit.  The  constitutional  derange- 
ment must  be  treated  by  purgatives,  anodynes,  or  sedatives,  succeeded 
by  tonics;  and  the  diet  regulated  according  to  the  stage  and  variety  of 
the  accompanying  symptoms. 


POLL-EVIL. 

Definition. — This  is  a  fistulous  ulcer  situated  on  the  supero-posterior 
portion  of  the  cranium  immediately  behind  the  ears  of  the  horse,  and  is 
caused  by  accidental  violence,  or  by  the  habitual  use  of  a  tight  bearing- 
rein. 

At  the  first  stage  it  may  be  recognized  as  a  soft  fluctuating  tumor  sur- 
rounded by  inflammatory  swelling,  enlargement  of  the  superior  cervical 
lymphatics,  and  stiffness  of  the  neck;  or  the  inflammation  of  the  sur- 
rounding tissue  may  have  subsided,  leaving  a  prominent  swelling — a  se- 
rous abscess. 

From  the  peculiar  position  of  the  injury,  the  matter  has  no  depending 


302  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

orifice;  and  lience  it  generally  happens  that,  unless  artificial  assistance  by 
free  incision  is  given  for  the  escape  of  the  matter,  it  Avill  burrow  down- 
Avards  among  and  under  the  ligaments  which  support  the  head.  Among 
these  it  is  apt  to  form  large  and  deep  sinuses  and  fistulse. 

These  sinuses  often  extend  down  to  the  bone.  The  offensive  smell  of 
the  matter -contained  in  them  will  indicate  this  extension.  If  the  mat- 
ter is  suffered  to  remain  long  in  contact  with  the  bone,  it  will  j^robably 
cause  caries. 

Treatment. — Before  pus  is  formed,  reduce  the  inflammation,  if 
present,  by  the  application  of  cold  water  to  the  part,  and  by  the  adminis- 
tration of  purgatives  internally.  When  the  inflammation  is  overcome, 
reduce  tlie  swelling  by  friction  with  iodine,  hut  do  not  puncture;  but  if 
suppuration  is  established,  the  abscess  cannot  be  opened  too  soon,  and  it 
is  best  to  make  the  incision  at  its  base,  to  allow  the  pus  to  escape  from 
its  most  inferior  part.  !For  this  purpose,  a  free  incision  is  to  be  made, 
and  it  must  not  be  allowed  to  close  too  soon;  fomentations  are  to  be  re- 
peatedly applied,  but  no  special  application  is  required,  the  ordinary 
treatment  for  abscess  being  all  that  is  necessary. 

If  the  abscess  has  already  burst,  is  discharging  a  foetid  unhealthy  pus 
and  the  opening  is  surrounded  with  fungous  granulations,  the  disease 
will  be  found  to  have  assumed  a  most  formidable  aspect;  for  not  only  will 
the  subcutaneous  areolar  and  muscular  tissues  be  involved,  but  the  liga- 
mentum  nuchce  also;  which,  being  tough  and  elastic,  imprisons  the  pus, 
causing  it  to  burrow  in  various  directions,  and  having  a  low  organization, 
its  healing  powers  are  exceedingly  torpid.  The  treatment  of  a  case  of 
this  description  is  a  matter  of  some  difficulty,  and  to  be  complete,  a  thor- 
ough examination  must  be  made  with  the  probe  of  all  the  fistulous  ulcers 
and  sinuses.  These  must  be  freely  laid  open  to  their  very  base,  and  the 
whole  dressed  with  a  solution  of  the  bichloride  of  mercury,  the  chloride 
of  zinc,  or  the  muriate  of  antimony;  a  thin  layer  of  the  parts  laid  open 
will  thus  be  destroyed,  and  the  whole  converted  into  a  common  wound. 
The  repeated  applications  of  caustics  and  escharotics  are  not  required, 
indeed  they  do  much  barm;  when  once  the  part  is  converted  into  a 
healthy-looking  wound,  all  that  is  necessary  is  to  keep  it  clean,  dress 
with  mild  astringents,  and  prevent  the  opening  from  closing  too  quickly. 

In  many  cases,  setons  inserted  from  the  original  opening  along  the 
direction  of  the  fistulae,  and  brought  out  upon  the  opposite  side  of  the 
poll,   are  very  successful;    but    if    there  be  many  sinuses,  the    seton 


ULCERS    AND    FISTTJLiE. 


303 


treatment  is  not  to  be  depended  upon,  and  it  is  better  to  use  the  knife 
freely. 

When  poll-evil  is  caused  by  the  bearing-rein,  it  is  deep-seated,  perhaps 
involving  the  synovial  membrane  of  the  occipito-atloidean  articulation, 
and  some  cases  have  terminated  in  anchylosis  of  this  joint,  causing  the 
animal  to  be  permanently  stiff-necked.  In  some  instances  the  ulcerative 
process  has  penetrated  the  capsules  of  the  first  or  second  cervical  articu- 
lations, causing  sudden  death  by  pressure  upon  the  medulla  spinalis;  in 
others,  pieces  of  the  bones  become  detached,  keeping  up  the  irritation 
and  formation  of  pus;  these  must  be  searched  for  and  carefully  re- 
moved. 


FISTULOUS  WITHERS. 

Fistulous  withers  are  similar  in  their  nature  and  require  much  th 
same  treatment  as  poll  evil.     They  are  nearly  always  caused  by  pressure 
from  the  saddle,  or  collar,  or  by  injuries. 

In  most  cases  the  mischief  is  at  first  very  slight,  and  a  day  or  two's 
abstinence  from  work  with  a  little  alteration  of  the  saddle  or  collar  will 


Fig.  137. 
Fistulous  Withers. 

generally  effect  a  cure  and  prevent  recurrence.     If  the  skin  is  tender,  a 
salt  and  water  dressing  may  be  applied. 

When,  however,  the  cause  is  continued  or  repeated,  the  tissues  under 
the  skin  become  inflamed,  and  the  cartilaginous  pads  of  the  heads  of  the 
spines  of  the  vertebrae  may  be  injured.     If  such  should  be  the  case, 


304  VETEEINAKY   MEDICINE   AND    SUBGEKY. 

omentations  must  be  applied  in  the  first  instance  to  reduce  the  inflam- 
mation. If  these  fail,  as  they  often  do,  in  bringing  about  resolution, 
matter  will  probably  form  under  the  skin. 

Unless  a  free  opening  is  made  for  its  escape,  it  will  burrow  in,  under, 
and  among  the  muscles,  tendons,  and  ligamentous  tissues  which  lie  on 
each  side  of  the  spine  or  withers,  and  will  form  sinuses.  The  treatment 
in  such  cases  is  exactly  the  same  as  that  of  poll  evil.  Nothing  answers 
better  than  the  seton  recommended  above. 

Caries  of  the  spinous  processes  of  the  bones  of  the  vertebrae  occasion- 
ally supervenes.  It  will  be  indicated  by  the  offensive  smell  proceeding 
from  the  sinuses.  Unlike  the  similar  occurrence  in  poll  evil,  this  further 
development  is  easily  treated;  and  a  radical  cure  without  any  injurious 
result  may  generally  be  effected  by  removing  the  injured  portions  of  the 
bone  by  the  pincers.  The  parts,  as  a  general  rule,  heal  over  favorably, 
and  nothing  more  than  a  slight  hollow  will  be  noticed  about  the  withers. 


SADDLE  AND  HARNESS  GALLS. 

Though  not  jorimarily  ulcers,  harness  galls  may  easily  run  into  them. 
Under  ordinary  use,  the  skin  is  sometimes  abraded  by  various  parts  of 
the  harness.  As  soon  as  observed,  the  harness  should  be  shifted  in  some 
way,  if  possible,  so  as  not  to  rub  on  the  sore  spot.  If  the  skin  has 
not  been  broken,  it  may  be  hardened  by  rubbing  with  a  saturated  solu- 
tion of  salt  and  water  or  alum  and  water.  If  the  skin  is  broken,  Kennedy's 
Pinus  canadensis  is  a  useful  astringent,  or  tincture  of  myrrh  and  aloes 
may  be  applied,  and  this  is  said  to  have  the  advantage  of  keeping  flies 
away  from  the  sore.     Or, 

Turpentine |  ss. 

Vinegar |  i. 

is  useful. 

Should  a  scab  be  rubbed  partly  off,  trim  away  the  ragged  edges  and  ap- 
ply any  of  the  above.     If  the  wound  is  an  extensive  one  and  the  scab  is 
broken,  it  will  probably  be  best  to  poultice  it  until  it  all  comes  away,  and 
hen  begin  the  treatment  again  to  form  a  new  scab. 


CHAPTEE  XIT. 

AGE,  AS  INDICATED  BY  THE  TEETH. 

Structural  alterations,  Back  Teeth,  or  Molars  or  Grinders,  Anterior  teeth  or  In- 
cisors, Distinction  between  the  Temporary  and  Premanent  Incisors,  Temporary 
or  Milk  Incisors,  Development  of  the  Permanent  Teeth,  The  Mark,  Pan-ot  Mouth, 
Bishop-ing,  The  Fang-hole  or  Secondary  Mark,  Further  changes  indicating  the 
Age,  Lateral  breadth.  Triangularity,  Length,  Slope,  Loss  of  circularity  in  form 
of  the  jaw,  etc..  The  Tusks,  Collateral  circumstances  to  be  taken  into  conside- 
ration. 

The  principal  guide  to  the  age  of  the  horse  consists  in  the  indications 
given  by  tlie  teeth. 

The  following  pages  explain  the  changes  which  take  place,  so  as  to  en- 
able the  reader  to  form  a  correct  judgment  in  regard  to  age. 

Structural  alterations  take  place  in  the  teeth  every  year  from  birth 
up  to  the  sixth  year.  Hence  there  can  rarely  be  any  question  as  to  the 
real  age  of  a  horse  up  to  that  date,  though  dealers  often  try  to  deceive  the 
unwary  by  various  tricks.     Such  tricks  are,  however,  easily  detected. 

After  the  mouth  is  fully  completed,  the  age  can  onlj  he  ap2}^oximaiely 
determined  by  the  effect  of  wear  in  altering  the  shape  of  the  teeth,  by  the 
receding  of  the  gums,  and  by  other  such  signs. 

Many  circumstances,  however,  often  contribute  to  modify  the  effect 
of  wear  on  the  teeth,  and  also  to  increase  or  decrease  the  action  of  time 
in  other  respects.  Hence,  after  six  years  old,  an  approximately  correct 
opinion  can  only  be  formed  by  those  who  have  given  to  the  subject  some 
time,  thought,  and  trouble. 

Back  teeth,  or  Molars  or  Grinders. — The  foal  is  born  usually  with 

two,  sometimes  with  three,  temporary  molars  in  each  jaw.     About  twelve 

months  old  another  molar,  a  permanent  tooth,  appears,  and  before  the 
20 


306  VETEKINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

completion  of  the  second  year  a  fifth  molar,  also  a  permanent  tooth,  shows 
itself. 

About  two  and  a  half  years  old  the  two  anterior  temporary  molars  are 
replaced  by  jjermanent  teeth,  and  between  three  and  four  the  remaining, 
or  third,  temporary  molar  is  similarly  replaced;  and  about  the  same  time 
the  last  or  sixth  permanent  molar  begins  to  appear.  Thus  when  the 
mouth  is  completed,  there  are  six  permanent  molars  in  each  jaw,  or 
twenty-four  in  all. 

These  structural  changes  afford  a  very  good  index  of  the  age  of  the 
horse  up  to  the  period  when  they  are  completed,  namely  four  years  old. 
The  molars,  however,  are  seldom  referred  to,  because  their  position  at  the 
back  of  the  mouth  renders  their  examination  inconvenient  and  often  very 
difficult.  Neverless,  it  is  useful  to  be  acquainted  with  the  structural 
changes  of  these  teeth  in  cases  where  there  may  be  a  doubt  as  to  the  true 
age,  as  indicated  by  the  incisors.  After  four  years  old,  the  molars  are 
not  often  taken  into  consideration  in  determining  the  age  of  the  horse. 

A  supplementary  molar  known  as  a  ''Wolf's  tooth,"  sometimes  ajj- 
pears  in  either  jaw.  Such  teeth  seldom  cause  any  inconvenience.  If 
they  do  so,  they  can  easily  be  removed  by  the  pincers,  as  they  are  only  of 
a  rudimentary  character. 

The  Anterior  Teeth,  or  Incisors,  are  six  in  number  in  each  jaw, 
when  the  mouth  is  complete ;  and  in  the  immediate  rear  of  these  in 
males,  there  is  usually  added  one  very  peculiar  pointed  tooth  on  each 
side  in  each  jaw,  called  a  tusk.  Though  there  are  two  crops  of  incisors, 
yet  there  is  but  one  of  tusks.  In  fact,  these  teeth,  though  they  begin  to 
appear  about  four  years  old,  are  not  usually  fully  developed  until  the 
last  permanent  incisor  is  more  or  less  up. 

The  upper  incisors  are  considerably  longer  and  larger  than  the  lower. 
Distinction  hetween  Temporary  and  Permanent  Incisors. — 
Temporary,  otherwise  called  Milk,  are  easily  distinguished  from  Perma- 
nent incisors  by  the  following  well-marked  signs,  namely,  they  are  small- 
er, whiter,  and  have  more  distinct  necks.  They  are  smooth  externally, 
and  grooved  on  the  inside,  jirobably  in  order  to  enable  the  foal  more 
easily  to  grip  the  teats  of  the  dam.  Their  fangs  are  small  and  have  but 
little  attachment  to  the  gums.  The  jaws  are  plump,  fleshy  and  round, 
and  the  teeth  are  arranged  in  something  like  a  semicircle. 

Permanent  teeth,  on  the  other  hand,  are  larger,  broader,  wider  in 
their  necks,  grooved  externally  and  smooth  internally,  and  more  discol- 


AGE,    AS    INDICATED   BY    THE   TEETH. 


307 


ored  than  milk  teeth.  The  discoloration  is  due  to  the  lodgment  of 
the  juices  and  other  matters  connected  with  the  food  in  the  grooves. 
The  object  of  the  external  grooving  probably  is  to  enable  the  animal  to 
get  a  better  grip  on  grass  and  such-like  food.  The  plumpness  and  cir- 
cularity of  the  jaw  is  less  than  in  the  younger  animal,  and  it  gradually 
decreases,  until  in  old  age  the  teeth  are  arranged  in  a  nearly  straight 
line. 

The  Temporary  or  Milk  Incisors.— The  foal  is  born  with  his 
teeth  in  a  rudimentary  state  in  the  gums.  At  various  periods  during  the 
first  ten  months  the  different  temporary  incisors  appear.     (Figure  138.) 


Fig.  138. 
Teeth  of  a  Foal. 


Under  one  year  old,  the  foal  is  also  clearly  distinguished  by  a  woolly  tail. 

The  yearling  is  complete  in  all  six  incisors,  but  several  well-marked 

signs  distinguish  his  mouth  from  that  of  the  two-year  old.     The  teeth 

at  this  period  show  but  little  signs  of  wear.     The  corner  teeth  are  mere 


Fig.  139. 
Teeth  at  One  Year. 


shells,  having  no  inner  walls,  and  all  the  teeth  are  in  close  juxtaposition. 
(Figure  139.) 

At  two  years  old,  the  inner  wall  of  the  corner  teeth  has  grown  up 
level  with  the  outer  wall.    The  centre  teeth  show  considerable  signs  of 


308 


VETERINAKy    MEDICINE   AND   8UKGERY. 


wear,  and  indeed  all  the  teeth  appear  somewhat  smaller  than  they  did  in 
the  yearling.  They  also  stand  somewhat  wide  apart  at  their  necks,  on 
account  of  the  gradual  growth  of  the  jaw  in  width.     (Figure  140.) 


Fig.  140. 
Teeth  at  Two  Years, 


Development  of  the  Permanent  Teeth.— A  few  months  before 
three  years  old,  the  horse  sheds  the  two  centre  milk  teeth,  which  are  re- 


FlG.  141. 
Teeth  at  Three  Years. 


placed  by  permanent.  Thus  the  jaw  contains  at  three  years  old  two 
centre  permanent  teeth  and  two  milk  teeth  on  each  side.  (Figure  141. ) 
A  few  months  before  four,  the  horse  sheds  the  two  next  milk  teeth, 
which  are  replaced  by  permanent.  Thus  the  jaw  now  contains  four 
permanent  and  one  milk  tooth  on  each  side  (Figure  142).  The  appear- 
ance of  the  mouth,  when  closed,  and  also  the  mode  in  which  the  teeth 
meet,  are  shown  in  Figure  165.  This  figure  will  be  presently  contrasted 
with  Figure  163,  which  shows  the  mode  in  which  the  mouth  closes,  and 
the  teeth  meet  in  extreme  old  age. 


AGE,    AS    INDICATED    BY    THE    TEETH. 


309 


A  few  months  before  five,  the  horse  sheds  the  two  remaining  milk 
teeth,  which  are  replaced  by  permanent.     Thus  the  jaw  is  now  furnished 


Fig.  U-i. 
Teeth  at  Four  Years. 


with  six  permanent  incisors,  but  the  corner  teeth  are  mere  shells,  having 
no  internal  wall.  The  absence  of  this  wall  distinguishes  the  five  from 
the  six  year  old  mouth  (Figure  143). 


Fig.  143. 
Teeth  at  Five  Years. 


A  few  months  before  six,  the  inner  wall  of  the  corner  teeth  has 
grown  up  level  with  the  outer  wall.    (Figure  144). 

The  mouth  is  now  fully  comj)lete  in  incisors,  and  no  further  struc- 
tural changes  take  place  in  them.  As  a  general  rule,  the  upper  tempo- 
rary teeth  fall  out  a  little  before  those  in  the  lower  jaw. 

Up  to  six  years  old,  therefore,  inasmuch  as  we  have  structural  changes 


310 


VETERINARY   MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


to  guide  us,  there  can  seldom  be  any  doubt  as  to  the  age  of  the  animal. 
There  are,  however,  some  well-authenticated  instances  of  abnormal  de- 
velopment of  the  permanent  incisors,  but  they  are  rare. 

High  feeding  encourages  the  growth  of  the  teeth  in  common  with  the 
rest  of  the  frame.  Hence  thorough-breds  are  somewhat  more  forward  in 
their  mouths  than  half-bred  animals. 

The  Mark.— Hitherto  no  notice  has  been  taken  of  the  "  Mark,"  or 
Infundibulum,  not  because  the  marks  in  the  young  mouth  do  not  afford 
some  indication  of  the  age  ;  but  because  fuller  and  more   satisfactory 


Fig.  144. 
Teeth  at  Six  Years. 


evidence  up  to  six  years  old  is  afEorded  by  the  structural  changes  detailed 
above.  After  six,  however,  recourse  must  be  had  to  the  indications  given 
by  the  marks  and  other  slight,  but  gradual,  alterations  which  take  place 
in  the  form  of  the  teeth. 

The  Mark  or  Infundibulum  is  a  very  peculiar  hollow  extending,  when 
the  tooth  first  comes  up,  about  half  an  inch  down  the  temporary  and 
rather  deeper  down  the  permanent  incisors.     Figure  151. 

Thus  in  the  tooth,  as  it  originally  ajipears,  there  are  four  walls  of 
enamel.     The  remainder  of  the  tooth  consists  chiefly  of  dentine,  less  *■ 
hard  than  enamel,  and  more  like  ivory.      A  small  quantity  of   crusta 
petrosa  is  also  found  on  the  outside. 

When  an  incisor  first  comes  up,  the  hollow  affords  lodgment  for  the  de- 
hris  of  the  food  and  the  juices  expressed  from  it,  and  therefore  soon  looks 


AGE,    AS    INDICATED    BY   THE    TEETH. 


311 


black.  As  the  tooth  wears  down,  the  hollow  of  course  disappears;  but 
the  surface  of  the  dentine  immediately  below  the  original  hollow,  being 
a  somewhat  soft  material,  has  become  stained  for  some  distance  down. 
Thus  there  still  is  a  black  mark.  With  the  further  wear  of  the  tooth  the 
stained  portion  of  the  dentine  wears  away,  and  the  ''mark  "  is  then  said 
to  be  out.  The  mark,  as  the  reader  will  easily  see  from  this  description, 
is  in  a  constantly  changing  condition. 

Premising  that  the  time,  which  the  mark  will  take  to  wear  out,  will 
vary  to  a  greater  or  less  degree  according  to  certain  circumstances  de- 
tailed hereafter,  the  following  are  general  rules  for  guidance. 

Between  three  and  five  years  old  the  marks  are  very  plain  in  all  the 
permanent  incisors.  Fig.  143  and  143.  At  six,  the  marks  are  wearing  out 
of  the  two  centre  teeth,  which  came  up  at  three  years  old.  They  are 
plain  in  the  two  next,  and  perfectly  fresh  m  the  two  corner  teeth. 
Fig.  144. 

At  seven,  the  marks  have  disappeared  from  the  centre  teeth,  are  wear- 
ing out  of  the  two  next,  and  are  distinct  and  plain  only  in  the  corner 
teeth.     Fig.  145. 


Fig.  145. 
The  Mark  at  Seven  Years. 


At  eight,  the  marks  have  disappeared  from  all  but  the  corner  teeth, 
in  which  they  are  becoming  indistinct.     Fig.  146. 

At  nine,  the  marks  are  not  usually  found  in  any  of  the  teeth.  Fig.  147. 

For  about  two  years  after  the  mark  has  disappeared  in  each  tooth, 
there  may  still  be  seen  in  the  form  of  a  star  a  trace  of  the  enamel  which 
lined  the  bottom  of  the  original  hollow,  and  which  underlies  it  for  some 
depth.  This  star  of  course  decreases  in  size  with  the  wear  of  the  teeth. 
About  twelve  or  thirteen  the  last  traces  of  the  enamel  have  usually  dis- 


312  VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 

appeared  even  from  the   corner  teeth,  but  it   may  remain  some  time 
longer. 

Many  casual  circumstances,  nowever,  cause  a  certain  degree  of  devia- 


FlG.   146. 
The  Mark  at  Eight  Years. 


tion  from  these  general  rules.  The  time,  which  the  mark  takes  to  wear 
out,  will  vary  in  different  horses  according  to  the  hardness  or  otherwise 
of  the  teeth  and  according  to  the  nature  of  the  food  on  which  the  animal 


Fig.  147. 
The  Mark  at  Nine  Years. 


is  kept.  In  grass-fed  horses  the  marks  usually  remain  at  least  a  year  and 
sometimes  two  years  longer  than  in  those  fed  on  hard  food.  Again  in 
parrot-mouthed  horses,  that  is,  where  the  upper  overlaps  the  lower  jaw, 
the  marks  may  remain  for  many  years.     (Fig.  148.) 

On  the  other  hand,  some  horses,  which  have  a  trick  of  biting  the 
manger,  wear  down  their  teeth  very  rapidly,  and  therefore  lose  their 
marks  very  early.  Horses  fed  on  salt  marshes  where  the  sea  sand  is 
washed  up  among  the  grass,  or  on  sandy  plains  or  meadows,  are  affected 
by  the  increased  friction  on  the  teeth  caused  by  the  sand.  Occasionally 
a  projecting  tooth  in  the  upper  jaw  may  cause  unusual  friction  on  the 


AGE,    AS    INDICATED    BY    THE   TEETH, 


313 


corresponding  tooth  of  the  lower  jaw,  and  so  may  hasten  obliteration  of 
the  mark. 

Most  of  these  and  other  causes  of  irregularity  of  wear,  which  might 
be  mentioned,  are  at  once  apparent  to  a  careful  and  accurate  observer, 
and  will  scarcely  prevent  his  forming  a  pretty  correct  opinion  of  the  age. 

The  upper  incisors,  as  previously  stated,  are  considerably  longer  and 
larger  than  the  lower,  and  the  infundibulum  is  nearly  twice  as  deep. 
The  marks  therefore  remain  longer  than  in  the  lower  teeth.  This  is 
mentioned  in  passing,  lest  the  reader  should  be  misled,  if  he  should  by 


Fig.  148. 
Parrot  Mouth. 


chance  refer  to  the  indications  given  by  the  upper  teeth  to  corroborate  or 
correct  any  opinion  as  to  age,  about  which  he  may  be  in  doubt  from  the 
appearance  of  the  lower  jaw. 

Occasionally  the  dentine  on  the  side  of  the  infundibulum  may  become 
stained  and  even  black,  and  in  such  cases  something  like  a  double  mark 
may  be  observed.  An  instance  of  this  peculiarity  is  shown  in  a  seven- 
year  old  mouth.  Figure  149. 

The  moucn  taKen  as  a  whole  is  broader  at  seven  year  old  than  at  any 
other  period.  After  this  it  gradually  narrows  with  age.  In  this  respect 
General  Eitzwygram  saya  the  drawings,  taken  as  a  consecutive  series,  are 
in  some  degree  at  fault,  as  he  found  it  impossible  get  mouths  of  the  re- 


314 


VETEKINAKY    MEDICINE    AND    8UEGEKY. 


quired  ages  to  a  form  a  perfect  ideal  series.  For  instance  the  mouth 
represented  in  Fig.  160  (extreme  age)  obviously  has  belonged  to  a  very 
different  animal  to  that  shown  in  the  preceding  figure.  Again  Figs.  160 
and  161  are  fair  specimens,  though  very  diverse,  of  what  may  be  expected 
in  extreme  age  in  various  cases. 

Bishop-ing. — Marks  on  the  incisors  are  occasionally,  though  rarely, 


Fio.  149. 
Double  Mark  at  Seven  Years. 

stimulated  by  means  of  caustic  or  the  hot  iron  by  low  dealers  with  the 
view  of  deceiving  the  unwary. 

The  fraud  is  readily  detected,  because,  though  it  is  easy  to  make  a  black 
mark  on  the  crowns  of  the  teeth,  yet  it  is  impossible  to  restore  the  wall 
of  pearly  enamel,  which,  as  explained  above,  surrounds  the  natural  mark 
or  mfundibulum.     Fig.  150. 


Fig.  150, 
Real  and  Simulated  Mark. 


The  Fang-hole  or  Secondary  Mark. — About  nine  years  old,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  wearing  down  of  the  teeth,  a  slight  trace  of  the  fang-hole 
usually  appears  in  the  centre  teeth,  and  somewhat  later  in  the  other  teeth. 
It  is  indicated  by  a  slight  discoloration  of  the  tooth  at  the  above  point. 
There  is,  however,  no  actual  hole,  because  with  advancing  years  the  upper 
part  of  the  original  cavity  has  become  filled  up  with  a  sort  of  spuri- 
ous dentine,  which  is  more  yellow  than  the  true  material,  of  which  the 


AGE,  AS  INDICATED  BY  THE  TEETH.  315 

body  of  the  tooth  consists.     As  age  increases,  this  indication  of  the  fanff 


Fig.   151. 
Tooth  Showing  Mark  and  Fang-Hole. 


hole,  which  is  sometimes  called  the  '*'  Secondary  mark  "  becomes  rather 

more  plain.     It,  however,  affords  no  reliable  data  by 

which  to  judge  of  the  age,  and  is  only  mentioned  in 

this  place,  lest  the  reader  should  mistake  it  for  the 

remains  of  the  infundibulum.     The  enamel,  it   will 

be  remembered,  is  pearly  white,  whilst  the  mark  of 

the  fang-hole  is    brownish-yellow.     The    position  of 

the  fang-hole,  marked  B,  is  shown  in  Figure  151. 

Further  Changes  indicating  the  Age. — It  will 
be  seen,  that  about  nine  the  "  marks  "  entirely  fail  ns, 
and  indeed  after  seven  or  eight  they  can  hardly  be 
said  to  afford  any  very  reliable  data. 

From  eight  years  old  and  upwards  the  best  indica- 
tions of  the  age  arc  given  by  the  gradual  alterations 
which  take  place  in  the  shape  of  the  teeth  from  wear 
and  in  closing  of  the  mouth. 

Lateral  hreadtli,  etc. — The  teeth  originally  are 
hroad  laterally  at  their  upper  surfaces,  otherwise 
called  their  croAvns  or  "tables,"  and  thin  from  front 
to  rear.  Figs,  142,  143,  and  144.  They  narrow  grad- 
ually towards  their  necks  and  fangs.  Hence,  as  their 
upper  surfaces  wear  off,  the  teeth  become  narrower 
year  by  year.  In  very  old  horses  there  is  often  a  posi- 
tive interval  between  the  teeth,  Figures  160  and  161  Fiq,  153. 

,   ,,  Ti         !•    1       •      11       •  Changes  in  the  Crown 

and  they  appear  like  sticks  m  the  jaw.  of  tij^  xeeth. 


316 


VETERIJSTABY   MEDICINE   AND   SURGERY. 


The  gradual  effect  of  wear  in  producing  this  alteration  is  shown  in 
Figure  152  where  successive  portions  of  the  upper  surface  of  the  tooth  are 
represented  as  having  been  removed  by  the  saw.  The  original  form  of 
the  tooth  is  shown  in  Fig.  153. 


Fig.  153. 
Original  Form  of  a  Tooth. 


The  amount  of  wear  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  teeth  is  greater  in 
the  young  mouth  than  it  is  afterwards,  because  in  youth  the  teeth  meet 
more  fairly  than  they  do  in  after  years.  Compare  Fig.  165  and  Fig. 
163.  The  rate  of  wear  gradually  decreases,  as  years  increase,  because 
the  teeth  do  not  meet  so  directly,  but  on  the  contrary  project  more  and 
more  forward  in  something  like  two  parallel  lines.  For  example  a  quarter 
of  an  inch  will  usually  be  worn  off  the  surface  between  five  and  six  years 
old,  whilst,  probably  not  more  than  that  quantity  will  be  worn  off  between 
twenty  and  twenty-five  years  old. 

Triangularity. — A  further  very  well-marked  indication  of  increasing 
age  is  given  by  increasing  depth  from  front  to  rear  in  the  upper  surfaces 
or  crowns  of  the  teeth.  This  increase  of  depth  will  be  noticed  if  Figs.  145 
and  146  are  carefully  compared  with  Figs.  142,  143,  and  144.  Further 
wear  causes  the  crowns  of  the  teeth  to  assume  a  triangular  form.  The 
cause  of  this  will  be  clearly  seen  on  reference  to  Fig.  152.  The  teeth, 
though  they  diminish  in  lateral  breadth,  increase  in  thickness  from  front 
to  rear  all  the  way  from  the  crown  to  the  fang.     Figs.  152  and  153. 

At  six  and  up  to  eight  years  old,  the  teeth  are  all  broad  laterally  at 
their  upper  surfaces.  Figs.  144,  145,  and  146.  Up  to  this  time  the  exact 
year,  as  the  reader  will  recollect,  is  pretty  well  known  by  the  ''marks." 


AGE,  AS  INDICATED  BY  THE  TEETH. 


317 


At  nine,  when  the  marks  fail,  the  alterations  in  the  crown  surface  or 
table  come  to  our  aid.  The  two  centre  teeth,  which  came  up  at  three, 
become  somewhat  triangular.  Fig.  147.  At  ten,  the  two  next  teeth  show 
similar  signs.     Fig,  154.    At  eleven,  the  corner  teeth  have  become  some- 


FiG.  154. 
Teeth  assuming  triangular  shape  at  ten  years. 


what  triangular.     Fig.  155.    At  twelve,  the  triangularity  has  increased  in 


Fig.  155. 
Triangular  shape  of  teeth  at  eleven  years. 


all  the  teeth.    Fig.  156.     This  alteration  continues  to  increase  in  all  the 


Fig.  15G. 
Triangular  shape  of  teeth  at  twelve  years. 


teeth,  until  in  very  old  horses  the  depth  from  front  to  rear  exceeds  the  late- 
ral width  of  the  teeth.  Figure  157  shows  an  average  mouth  of  sixteen  years 
old.  Figure  158  represents  the  appearance  at  twenty.  Figure  159  shows 
twenty-four;  whilst  Figs.  160  and  161  may  serve  as  speciments  of  the  teeth 
in  extreme  age. 


318  VETEKINARY   MEDICINE   AND    SURGERY. 

length. — Again,  as  age  increases,  the  teeth,  notwithstanding  they 


Fig.   157. 
Triangular  shape  of  teeth  at  sixteen  years. 


really  wear  down,  become  apparently  longer.     This  effect  is  due  to  the 
fleshy  parts  of  the  gums  receding  faster  than  the  teeth  wear  down.     In 


Fig.  158. 
Triangular  shape  of  teeth  at  twenty  years. 


extreme  age,  however,  when  the  gums  have  receded  as  far  as  they  can. 


Fig.  159. 
Triangular  shape  of  teeth  at  twenty-four  years. 


the  effect  of  wear  causes  the  teeth  to  become  visibly  as  well  as  really 
shorter. 


Fig.  160. 
Shape  of  tooth  crowns  in  old  age. 


AGE,    AS    INDICATED    BY    TUE   TEETH. 


319 


Slope. — An  alteration  also  takes  place  in  the  position  or  "  slope  "  of  the 
teeth,  as  regards  their  closing.     This  is  due  to  the  effects  of  wear.     The 


Fia.    161. 
Shape  of  tooth  crowns  in  extreme  old  age. 


original  form  of  the  tooth  is  shown  in  Fig.  153.  Its  upper  portion,  it  «rill 


Fig.  163. 
Slope  of  the  teeth  in  extreme  old  age. 


Fig.  163. 
Closing  of  the  mouth  In  extreme  old  age. 


be  seen,  is  nearly  perpendicular,  whilst  the  lower  part  lies  in  a  more 
horizontal  position.     Hence  in  youth  the  teeth   meet  directly,  whilst 


Fig.  164. 
Slope  of  Teeth  at  Two  Tears. 


in  extreme  age  they  can  scarcely  be  said  to  meet  at  all.     Their  stumps 
project  forward  in  two  almost  parallel  lines.     (Figs.  163  and  163.) 


320 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


The  various  changes  which  take  place  in  the  i^osition  of  the  teeth  in 
reference  to  their  position  or  "  slope  "  are  shown  in  Figs.  162  to  167.  At 
two  years  old  (Fig.  164)  the  gums  are  full,  fleshy  and  prominent,  and  the 
teeth  are  nearly  perpendicular.  The  gradual  changes  which  take  place 
in  the  slojje  with  increasing  years  are  shown  perhaps  more  clearly  in  the 
engravings  than  could  be  explained  in  words. 

Up  to  twelve  years  old,  there  can  scarcely  be  much  diflScuIty  in  form- 
ing a  pretty  correct  judgment  as  to  the  age.  After  that  time  it  requires 
more  time,  practice  and  opportunity  than  most  people  have  at  disposal  or 
care  to  take  to  obtain  the  requisite  knowledge. 

It  would  probably  scarcely  interest  one  not  a  professional  veterinarian, 
to  trace  very  minutely  the  changes  which  take  place  after  twelve  years 
old.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  gums  continue  year  by  year  to  recede,  the 
teeth  become  apparently  longer  and  longer  and  really  narrower,  and  con- 
sequently the  intervals  between  them  increase,  and  they  project  forward 
more  and  more  in  a  straight  line. 


Fig.  1(56. 
Slope  of  Teeth  at  Twelve  Years. 


Fi3.  167. 
Slope  of  Teeth  at  Eighteen  Years. 


About  twenty  or  twenty-two,  and   in   some  instances  a  good  de 
sooner,  the  teeth,  which  up  to  this  period  have  apparently  increased  in 
length,  begin  to   grow  visibly  shorter,  because  the  gums  are  so  far  ab- 
sorbed that  they  can  recede  no  further.     Hence  all  further  wear  shows 
its  effects  by  diminishing  the  length  of  the  teeth. 

Loss  of  Circularity.— In  the  very  young  horse  the  teeth  are  arranged 
almost  in  the  form  of  a  semicircle.  Year  by  year  this  form  decreases, 
until  in  old  horses  the  teeth  are  arranged  in  something  like  a  straight 
line.  Compare  Figs.  138,  139,  140,  141,  and  143  with  Figs.  158,  159, 
160,  and  161. 

These  drawings  of  the  teeth  have  all  been  made  from  nature;  and 
hence,  although  pretty  normal  specimens  have  been  selected,  yet  in  vari- 
ous ways  they  present  in  some  instances  irregularities  and  deviations  from 


AGE,  AS  INDICATKD  BY  THE  TEETH,  321 

a  positively  regular  rule  of  wear.  Perfect  regularity  iu  wear  and  in  the 
effect  of  wear  is  seldom  found  in  nature.  In  some  instances  it  will  be 
observed  that  the  enamel  is  higher  and  more  prominent  than  in  others. 
This  difference  does  not  indicate  or  in  any  degree  depend  on  age,  but 
simply  on  the  comparative  hardness  or  softness  of  the  enamel  and  den- 
tine. 

The  Tusks. — In  horses,  as  distinguished  from  mares,  great  assistance 
in  determining  the  age  is  derived  from  the  presence  of  the  Tusks,  which 
are  generally  wanting  in  the  latter.  The  tusks  usually  begin  to  appear 
in  a  very  slight  degree  about  three  and  a  half  or  four  years  old.  Their 
sharp  points  then  just  pierce  the  gums,  and  they  continue  to  grow  until 
fully  developed  about  five  or  five  and  a  half  years  old.  They  do  not  meet 
like  other  teeth,  and  therefere  do  not  suffer  from  wear  from  that  cause. 
They  suffer,  however,  from  wear  in  the  course  of  mastication,  and  in  fact 
undergo  greater  changes  than  any  other  teeth,  and  so  form  a  valuable 
guide  as  to  age. 

The  tusk  is  a  very  peculiar  shaped  elongated  tooth.  Internally  it 
consists  of  dentine,  and  is  protected  on  the  outside  only  by  enamel.  The 
enamel,  however,  overlaps  the  dentine,  and  hence  arises  the  sharp  edge  or 
hook  of  the  newly  developed  tusk,  which  may  be  felt  if  the  finger  be 
brought  round  it  from  behind. 

This  sharpness  gradually  wears  off.  After  seven  it  has  disappeared, 
and  in  each  succeeding  year  the  tusk  becomes  not  only  rounder  and 
blunter,  but  its  upper  portion  wears  off.  It  also  appears  yellow,  on  ac- 
count of  the  dentine  becoming  exposed  by  reason  of  the  enamel  wearing 
off  its  exterior  surface.  The  tusks,  unlike  other  teeth,  do  not  apparently 
increase  in  length  with  years,  but  become  shorter  and  shorter.  In  fact 
the  effect  of  wear  is  greater  on  them  than  on  other  teeth,  and  it  is  also 
greater  than  the  process  of  the  receding  of  the  gum.  In  very  old  horses 
the  tusk  is  very  little  above  the  level  of  the  gum.  Mares  sometimes  have 
four  small  rudimentary  tusks. 

The  alterations,  which  gradually  take  place  in  the  foi-m  of  the  tusks, 
are  shown  in  Figure  16*8. 

Collateral  circumstances  be  taken  into  consideration.— In 
judging  of  the  age  of  the  horse  by  the  teeth,  every  collateral  circumstance 
requires  to  be  taken  into  consideration,  such  as  the  form  of  the  mouth, 
the  way  in  which  the  teeth  meet  and  close  on  each  other,  the  food  on 
which  the  animal  has  been  kept,  any  irregularity  in  the  upper  teeth  which 
31 


323  VETERLNAKY    MEDIOINE    AND    SURGERY. 

may  cause  increased  or  diminished  wear  on  the  lower  teeth,  and  also  the 
habits  of  the  horse  in  the  stable.  The  teeth  of  animals  which  bite  at 
the  rack  or  manger  whilst  being  cleaned,  and  horses  addicted  to  "  crib- 
biting  "  invariably  present  appearances  of  wear  beyond  their  real  age. 

As  the  horse  becomes  old,  the  fulness  of  the  chin  under  the  mouth 
disappears.  The  inferior  margin  of  the  branches  of  the  bone  of  the 
iovver  jaw  also  become  thin.  Lastly,  the  general  appearance  of  the 
aged  horse  is  much. influenced  by  the  work  he  has  done  and  the  treat- 
ment he  has  received. 

Age  must  not  be  judged  by  any  one  sign,  but  by  a  mean  judiciously 


Six  Years.  EiKlit  Years.  Twelve  Years.  Old  Age. 

Fio.  168. 
The  Alterations  in  the  Tusks  at  Different  Ages. 


struck  between  all  the  signs,  and  by  a  careful  consideration  of  all  collateral 
circumstances.  It  never  happens  that  all  the  signs  combine  together  to  de- 
ceive a  careful  and  well-informed  observer. 

From  these  pages  the  reader  will  perceive  that  after  six  years  old,  i.e., 
after  the  structural  changes  in  the  mouth  are  completed,  it  is  impossible 
to  lay  down  any  one  single  definite  rule  by  which  the  age  can  be  ascer- 
tained. Still,  with  a  little  trouble  and  attention  there  is  no  real  difficulty 
in  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  the  horse's  age  up  to  a  comparatively  late 
period  of  his  life. 

Such  a  knowledge  is  always  valuable  to  an  intending  purchaser. 
Horses  of  eight  or  nine  years  old  are  still  in  their  prime;  but  from  want 
of  knowledge  of  the  means  of  ascertaining  the  real  age  and  from  very 
natural  distrust  of  what  the  owner  may  tell  them,  the  public  are  very  shy 
of  buying  such  horses;  and  consequently  they  may  generally  be  obtained 
at  prices  below  their  real  value. 


CHAPTEE  XV. 
POSOLOGICAL   TABLE   FOR   THE   HOESE. 

WITH     THE     ACTIOIf     OJ     THE     MEDICINAL     SUBSTAN"CES. 
(From  Moeton's  Vbteeinaet  Pharmacy.) 


AGENT. 


AcaciaB  gumrui .... 
Acid,  aceticum. , . . 

"      arseniosum. . 

"      carbolic. . . . 

"      hydrochloric 

hydrocy.  dil. 

nitricum 

"      sulphuric... 

Aconite  tinct 

"       extract.  . . 
Adeps ...    

Aloes  extract 

Alumen 

"      ustum 

Ammoniae  hydroch 

'♦         liquor.. 

•'         liq.  acet 
♦'         sesqui- 
carb. 
Aramoniaa  spirit 

arora. 
Anthemides  floras.. 

Antim.  potass,  tart. 


ACTION. 


INTERNALLY. 


Demulcent. 
Astringent 
Tonic 


j  Lithontriptic. .  ) 
I  Tonic J 

Sedative 

Tonic 


Sedative... 
Do. 


{Alterative  . . . .  ) 
Nauseant f 
Purgative 

Astringent 


Deobstruent . 

\  Stimulant . 

}  Antacid 

Diaphoretic, . 
Stimulant. .  . , 


:;} 


(  Stimulant . , 
j  Antacid. . ., 


Tonic 

(  Nauseant | 

I  Diaphoretic  . .  ) 


EXTERNALLY. 


^  Antiseptic } 

I  Rubefacient...  \ 

Caustic 

j  Caustic  and. ..  ) 

(  Antiseptic ) 

\  Antiseptic / 

I  Caustic ) 

Sedative ......... 

Caustic 


Sedative 


Emollient . 
Traumatic , 


Astringent 
Erodent.  . . 
Discutient. 

Stimulant.. 

Discutient . 


Irritant. 


DOSE. 


AdUb. 
Grs.  V.  to  X. 


f.  3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

3  ss.  to  3  i. 
3  i.  to  3  ij. 
3  i.  to  3  ij. 

TTlX.  to  TllXX. 

Gvs.  XV.  to  XX, 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  iv.  to  3  viij. 
3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

f .  I  ss.  to  f.  3  i. 

f.  §  iv.  to  f.  z  viij. 
3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

f.  I  ss.  to  f.  §  i. 
3  ij.  to  3  iv. 
3  ss.  to  3  i. 


324 


VETERINAEY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


AGENT. 


Antim.  terchlorid ,. 

"       tersulph 

Argenti  nitraa  .... 
Arnica 

Arsenic  iodide 

^ther  sulphuricus 

Barii  nitras 

Belladon.  extract. . 

Borax 

Calx  chlorinata. . . . 
Camphora 

Cantharis 

Capsici  baccee.  . . . 

Carui  semina 

Cascar.  cortex 

Catechu  ext 

Chloroform 

Colchicum 

Collodion , 

Copaiba 

Creasoton 

Creta  prepar  

Croton  semina  .... 

"       oleum 

"       farina 

Cupri  ammo,  sulph 

"    diacetas 

"    diniodidum.. 

'     "    sulphas  ..... 

Digitalis 

Ferri  chlorid 

"    iodidum 

"    sulphas 

Gallse 

Gentianse  rad 

"       tinctura. 

Glycerin 

Helleborus  nig 

Hydi'arg.  am,  chlor 
♦♦         bichlorid 

"         chlorid.  . 

"        biniodid . 

"  nitratis.. 
"  oxydum . 
♦•        ox.  citric 


ACTION. 


INTERNALLY. 
Caustic 

Stimulant 

j  Alterative ) 

(Tonic [ 

Antispasmodic  . .  . 
j  Alterative ....  [ 
I  Tonic ) 

Narcotic 

Antiseptic 

Narcotic 

j  Stimulant . . . .  ) 
I  Diuretic y 

Carminative 

Do. 

Tonic 

Astringent .  .  *.    . . 

Antesthetic 

i  Diuretic 
Diaphoretic  . 
Laxative 

Diuretic 

j  Antiseptic.  •  ■  •  } 

\  Tonic    ) 

Antacid 

Purgative 

Do. 

Do. 

Tonic 

Do. 
Alterative. . .    ) 

Tonic S 

Astringent. . . .  [ 

Tonic y 

Narcotic 

Diui'etic 

Astringent 

J  Alterative. . .    ) 

i  Tonic y 

]  Astringent  •  •  •  } 

}  Tonic y 

Astringent 

Tonic 

Do. 
Nutrient 

Alterative 

j  Alterative 

(  Cathartic 


Alterative,, ... 


EXTERNALLY. 


Alterative , . 
Caustic  .... 
Resolvent . . 

Refrigerant 

Sedative . . . 
Detergent. , 
Antiseptic. . 
Discutient. . 

Vesicant. . . . 

Rubefacient 


Adhesive 

j  Caustic I 

I  Antiseptic. . . .  y 
Absorbent 

Irritant 

( Erodent } 

\  Detergent ....  y 

Detergent 

j  Erodent ) 

I  Excitant  .  —  ) 

Styptic 

Astringent 

Emollient 

Excitant 

Detergent 

Caustic 

I  Stimulant . . . .  ) 
1  Detergent ....  J 
Detergent 

Erodent 


DOSE. 


3  ij.  to  I  ss, 

I  ss.  to  I  i. 
Gr.  V.  to  gr.  xx. 
f.  3  iv.  to  f.  3  vi. 

3  ss.  to  3  i. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 
3  i.  to  3  ij. 

Gr.  V.  to  gr.  x. 

Gr.  X.  to  gr.  xx. 

§  ss.  to  I  i. 
3  ij.  to  3  iv. 
3  i.  to  3  ij. 
!  i.  to  §  ij. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  ss.  to  3  i. 

f .  3  ss.  to  f .  3  i. 

3  ij-  to  I  iv. 
Gr.  xij.  to  gr.  xxiv. 
Gtt.  XX.  to  gtt.  XXX. 
Gr,  XX.  to  gi\  xl. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 
Gr.  X,  to  gr.  xxx. 
3i.  to  3ij. 
3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  ss,  to  3  i. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 
3  ij,  to  3  iv. 
f .  3  ss.  to  f .  I  i. 
3  iv.  to  §  vi. 


Gr,  V.  to  gr.  x. 
Gr.  X.  to  gr.  xx. 

3  ss.  to  3  ij. 


3  i.  to  3  iss. 


P080LOGICAL   TABLE    FOR   THE    HORSE. 


325 


AGENT. 


Hyoscyami  ext 

"        tinct.  eth 

lodinium 

Lini  semina 

"    oleum 

Magnesia 

Magnesiae  sulph 

Matico 

Morrliua  oleum 

Myrrha 

Oleum  laurini 

"       olivge 

"       palmae  . .. . 

"       rapi 

Opium ) 

Opii  tinctura. ..  ) 
Petroleum 

Pimenta  baccae 

Pix  abiotina 

"    liquida 

* '    nigra 

Plumbi  acetas 

"       subacetas  . 
Potassa. 

Potassae  carbonas. . 

•'     chloras  .  . . 

'*      nitras 

Potassii  iodidum. . . 

' '      sulphuret. . 
Qulnse  disulplias. . . 

Resina 

Sabina 

Sapo 

Secale  comutum  . . 

Sodae  carbonas  . . . . 

"     chlorinat.  liq. 

"     sulphas 

"     sulphit 

Sodii  chloridum.. , . 

Spirit  etheris  nit. . . 

"      rectilicatus.. 
Strychnia 


ACTION. 


INTERNALLY. 

(  Narcotic 

I  Anodyne .... 
Do. 

5  Glandular ) 

I  Excitant ) 

Demulcent 

Laxative 

Antacid 

j  Laxative ) 

(  Diuretic  (?)...  ) 

Alterative 

i  Antiseptic ) 

I  Tonic J 

(  Demulcent. . . .  ) 
I  Laxative J 

\  Narcotic] 

I  Antispasmodic. . 

Stimulant    

j  Stimulant . . .  .  } 
I  Tonic \ 

\  Sedative ) 

I  Astringent. . . .  ) 

I  Antacid ) 

I  Diuretic f 

Stimulant  ? 

(  Febrifuge  ...    | 

{  Diuretic V 

(Glandular . . . .  [ 
j  Excitant J 

Diaphoretic 

Tonic 

Diuretic 

j  Antacid ) 

I  Diuretic i 

Parturient 

(  Antacid ) 

(  Diuretic [ 

Antiseptic 

Diuretic  ¥ 

Antiseptic 

(  Tonic ) 

1  Alterative ) 

iAntispasmo'ic 
'Diuretic. ..... 
Diaphoretic  .. 

(  Stimulant ) 

I  Antispasmo'ic  j 
]  Stimulant  to  } 
l    motor  nerves  ) 


EXTERNALLY. 


Sedative 

(  Glandular  . . . .  ) 
I  Excitant ) 

Emollient 

Styptic 

Traumatic 

Stimulant 

Emollient 

Do. 
Emollient 

Anodyne 

Stimulant 

Rubefacient 

Do. 
Do. 

Sedative    

Do. 
Caustic 

j  Refrigerant. . .  [ 

l  Antiseptic \ 

\  Glandulai' [ 

l  Excitant f 

Detergent 

Calef  acient 

Irritant 

Stimulant 

Antiseptic 

Stimulant 


Refrigerant .... 


DOSE. 


3  i.  to  3  ij. 

!  i-  to  I  ij. 

Gr.  V.  to  gr.  x. 

Ad  lib. 
O.ss.  to  O.i. 
I  ss.  to  §  i. 

Lb.  ss.  to  lb.  i. 

O.ss.  to.  O.i'. 
3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

O.i,  to  O.iss. 


3  i.  to  3  ij. 
f .  3  ss.  to  f..  I  ij. 
§  ij.  to  3  iv. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 


3  i.  to  3  ij. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 
3  i.  to  3  ij. 
3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

3i.  to  3  ss. 

3  ss.  to  3  i. 
3  ss.  to  3  i. 
3  ss.  to  3  i. 

I  ss.  to  3  ij. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

3  ij.  to  3  iv. 

f.  3  ss.  to  f.  I  ij. 
Lb.  ss.  to  ib.  i. 
§ij.to  Siij. 

I  i.  to  1  iv. 

f .  I  i.  to  f.  I  ij. 

f.  I  i.  to  f.  I  ij. 
Gr.  i.  to  gr.  ilj. 


326 


VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY, 


ACTION. 

AGENT. 

DOSE. 

INTERNALLY. 

EXTERNALLY. 

Sulphur 

j  Laxative ) 

l  Alterative  . ...  ) 

Detergent - 

?  i.  to  5  iv. 

Sulphuris  iodidum. 

Alterative 

Do. 

3  ss.  to  3  i. 

Terebinthinge  vulg. 
"           oleum 

Diuretic 

Digestive 

3  ss.  to  §  i. 

C  Diuretic ) 

-j  Antispasmo'ic  V 
(  Carthartic. .. .  ) 

( Irritant 

(  Digestive. . . . 

.\ 

(  f.  3  ij.  to  f.  3  iv. 
-(  f .  §  iij .  to  f .  §  vi. 
( O.ss.  to  O.i. 

Veratrum  album  . . 

(  Nauseant 

(  Stimulant ' 

Irritant 

Gr.  XX.  to  gr.  xxx. 

Zinci  acetas 

Astringent 

,  , 

.... 

"     carbonas  .... 

.  •  • . 

Do. 

.... 

"     chloridum.  . . 

.... 

{  Caustic 

1  Antiseptic  . . 

f 



"     oxydum 

.... 

Astringent 

.... 

"     sulphas 

( Astringent ... 
}  Tonic " 

(  Erodent 

\  Astringent. . . 

.  : 

3  i.  to  3  ij. 

Zingiberis  radix 

Carminative 

.... 

3  i.  to  3  iv. 

"         tmct.     . 

j  Carminative . .  | 
I  Antispasmo'ic  f 

f.  3  i.  to  f.  I  ij. 

INDEX. 


Abdomen,  wounds  of,  291 

Abraded  surfaces,  290 

Abscess  of  joint,  20(i 

Acne,  156,  169 

Acupressure,  27 

Age  indicated  by  teeth,  305 

Air-passages,  inflammation  of,  64 

Albuminuria,  148 

Amaurosis,  131 

Anchylosis,  203 

Angina,  60 

Apoplexy,  110 

pulmonary,  72 
Appetite,  11 

Arthritis,  navicular,  242 
Ascarides,  163 
Ascaris  lumbricoides,  100 
Ascites,  267 
Asthma.  77 

Atrophy  of  the  liver,  136 
Azoturia,  148 

Back,  bandage  for,  87 
"  Back-raking,"  147 
Balanitis,  147 
Ball,  capsule  for,  17 

correct  way  to  hold,  15 

giving  of  a.  14 

method  of  holding  the  tongue  while 
giving  a,  15 

method  of  making,  16 
Balling-iron,  16,  17 
Bandage,  for  the  back,  37 

for  the  belly,  38 

for  the  buttocks,  37 

for  the  elbow,  36 

for  eye,  35 

for  the  forehead,  34 

for  the  foreleg  above  the  knee,  38 

for  the  hindleg  above  the  hock,  38 

for  jaw,  35 

for  the  leg,  34 

for  neck,  35 

for  the  rump,  37 

for  shoulder,  36 

for  strangles.  263 

for  throat,  35 


Bandage  for  withers,  36 

Bandages,  34 

Bathing,  cold-water,  of  the  legs,  14 

Bed,  12 

"Bellones,"80 

Belly,  bandage  for,  38 

swollen,  90 
Bishoping,  314 

Bladder,  inflammation  of,  143 
Blankets,  10 
Bleeding,  24 
Blind  staggers,  103 
Blisters,  24 
Blood  spavin,  183 
Bog-spavin,  180,  181 
Bone,  cannon,  324 

navicular,  224 

pastern,  224 

pedal,  224 
Bone-spavin,  175,  176,  178 
Bot-fly  depositing  its  eggs,  99 
Bots,  98 
Box,  a  loose,  9 
Brain,  diseases  of,  103 
Brain  fever,  103 
"Break-down,"- 317 
Broken  wind,  77 
Bronchitis,  64 
Brushing,  208 
Bums,  294 
Buttocks,  bandage  for,  37 

Calculi,  praeputial,  48 

Calking,  251 

Cancer  of  the  liver,  137 

Canker,  240 

Cannon  bone,  224 
j  Capped  elbow,  189 
1  hock,  186,  188 

j         knee,  313  _ 

I  Capsule,  gelatine,  for  veterinary  use,  17 
!  Carbuncle  of  the  coronary  band,  301 
j  Cartilages,  ossified,  249 
\  Casting,  40 

Cataract,   129 
spurious,  131 

Catarrhal  fever,  253 


328 


INDEX. 


Cafarra,  nasal,  51 

chronic  nasal,  53 
Catheters,  47 
Cerebral  hemorrhage,  110 
Cerebro-spinal  meningitis,  117 
Charbon,  276 
Chorea,  111 

Circularity  of  teeth,  320 
Cirrhosis  of  the  liver,  136 
Clap,  external,  147 
Clasps  for  sand-crack,  234 
Cold,  common,  51 

in  the  chest,  64 
Colic,  flatulent,  90 

spasmodic,  88 
Colt  distemper,  260 
Coma,  103 
Congestion,  of  the  liver,  135 

of  the  lungs,  72 
Conjunctivitis,  124  . 
Constipation,  '87 
Contused  wounds,  289 
Corns,  228 

Coronary  band,  carbuncle  of,  301 
Coronet,  224 

fistula  of,  230 
Coryza,  51 
Cough,  chronic,  57 
Cracked  heels,  154 
Cradle  to  prevent  biting  a  vround,  24 
Cribbing,  effect  upon  the  teeth,  322 
Crowns  of  teeth,  shape  in  old  age,  318 
Curb,  185,  186,  Plate  II 
Cutting,  208 
Cystitis,  143 

Deodorizers,  21 

Dermatodectes  equi,  161 

Diabetes,  144 

Diarrhoea,  94 

Digestive  organs,  diseases  of,  83 

Diseases,  of  the  feet,  223 

of  the  legs,  175 

of  the  liver,  135 

of  the  skin,  154 

of  the  urinary  organs,  141 
Disinfectants,  21 
Distempei-,  colt,  260 

horse,  253 
Diuresis,  144 

Doses,  table  of,  for  the  horse,  323 
Drench,  17 

method  of  giving,  19 

method  of  holding  the  head,  18 
Drenching-horn,  18 
Dropping,  211 
Dropsy,  267 
Dysuria,  146 

Eczema,  165 

chronic,  172 

pustulosum,  167 
Elbow,  bandage  for,  36 

capped,  189 


Elbow,  lameness   210 
Elbow-joint,  posterior  view,  211 
Electuaries.  24 
Elephantiasis,  220 
Encephalitis,  103 
Enteritis,  91 
Epilepsy,  120 
Epizootic  catarrh,  253 
Equina,  269 
Equine  lymph,  168 
Erysipelas,  273 
Erythema,  158 
Eye,  bandage  for,  35 

foreign  bodies  in,  134 

pink,  253 

worm  in  the,  134 
Eyelids,  laceration  of,  133 

False  quarter,  235,  236 
Fang-hole,  314 
Farcy,  269 
"  Farcy-buds,"  272 
"  Farcy-pipes,"  273 
Feeders,  delicate,  11 
Fetlock-joint,  sprain  of,  214 
Feet,  diseases  of,  223 

fever  in,  245,  Plate  IV. 

inflammation  of,  245 
Fever,  brain,  103 

catarrhal,  253 

in  the  feet,  245,  Plate  IV. 

mud,  158 

putrid,  117 

rheumatic,  266 

scarlet,  278 

spotted,  117 

thermal,  122 
Firing,  29 

Fistula  of  the  coronet,  230 
Fistulse,  299 
Fistulous  withers,  303 
Fits,  120 

Flatulent  colic,  90 
Fleams,  for  blood-letting,  25 
Fomentations,  12 
Fomenting  a  wounded  leg,  13 
Foot,  bottom  of,  224 

bottom  of,   after  the  insensitive  sole 
has  been  removed,  225 

external  appearance  of,  223 

ground  surface  of,  223 

illustrated  with  pastern,  224 

laminas  of,  224 

prick  of,  226 

sensitive  laminje,  225 
Foreign  bodies  in  the  eye,  134 
Forefoot,  holding  up,  39 
Forehead,  bandage  tor.  34 
Foreleg,  bandage  for,  38 
Founder  fever,  245 

grain,  84 
Frog,  224 

fissure  of,  224 

punctures  of.  227 

sensitive,  324 


INDEX. 


329 


Frost-bite,  293 

Fuauel  for  injections,  21 

Gait,  straddlinn^,  of  nephritis,  142 
Galls,  from  saddle  and  harueas,  804 
Gamgee's  funnel  fur  injections,  81 

method  of  giving  a  drench,  18 
Gastric  impaction,  84 
Gastrophilius  Equi,  98 
Giddiness,  108 
Glanders,  269 
Glass  eye,  131 
Glaucoma,  133 
Gleet,  nasal,  53 
Gonorrhoea  of  the  pr.  puce,  147 
Gorged  stomach,  84 
Grain  founder,  84 
"Grapes,"  109 
Grease,  167 

illustrations,  168 

parasite  of,  169 

symptoms  and  treatment,  171 
Grinders,  305 
Gripas,  88 
Grunting,  82 
Gutta  Serena,  131 

Hand-rubbing,  12 

of  the  skin,  14 
Haw,  123 

protrusion  of,  over  the  eye,  in  tetanus, 
113 
Hcematuria,  enzo^^tic,  148 
Heaves,  77 

Heel,  windgall  of,  Plate  III. 
Heels,  224 

cracked,  154 

opening  the,  232 
Hemorrhage,  cerebral,  110 
Hepatitis,  136 
Herpes  circlnatus,  103 
Highblowiag,  81 
Hock,  bandage  for  the  leg  above,  38 

capped,  186,  187,  188 

spring,  187 
Hock- joint,  180 
Hoof,  224 

divided  below  the  coronet,  225 
Hor^e,  on  his  knees,  44 

perological  table  for,  323 

rearing  with  Rarey's  strap  on,  45 

skeleton,  Plate  I. 

treatment  of,  after  he  is  down,  46 

distemper,  253 
Humid  tetter,  168 
Hydrophobia,   117 
Hydrothorax,  267 
Hypertrophy  of  the  liver,  130 

Icterus,  138 

Impaction  of  the  stomach,  84 
Incisors,  305 
Indigestion,  84 

Inflammation,  of  the  air-passages,  64 
of  the  bladder,  143 


Inflammation,  of  the  conjunctiva,  124 

of  the  feet,  245 

of  the  intestines,  91 

of  the  kidneys,  141 

of  the  liver,  136 

of  the  lungs,  08 

of  the  penis  and  sheath,  147 

of  the  pleura,  74 

of  the  stomach,  86 
Inflammatory  oedema,  218 
Influenza,  253 

Infundibulum  of  the  teeth,  310 
Injection,  nasal,  Key's  tube  for,  20 
Injections,  20 
Interfering,  208 

Intestmes,    over-excitation   of,  by  purga- 
tives, 95 

inflammation  of,  91 
Ischuria,  146 
Itch,  100 
Itch-ihite,  161 

Jaundice,  138 
Jaw,  bandage  for,  35 
Joint,  open,  203 

stiff,  202 

wound  of,  203 
"Jugged,"  271 

Kidneys,  inflammation  of,  141 

Knee,  views  of,  183 

Kuee  joint,  alter  chronic  rheumatism,  265 

in  health,  265 
Knees,  broken,  188 
Knot,  beef,  31 

surgical,  31 
"  Knuckling  over,"  210 

Lacerated  wounds,  290 
Laceration  of  the  eyelids,  133 
Lachrymal  passnges,  diseases  of,  133 
Laminai,  of  the  foot,  224 

sensitive,  of  the  foot,  225 
Lamiuitis,  245,  Plate  IV. 
Lampas,  83 
Laryngitis,  60 
Leg,  bandage  for,  34 

fore,  inner  side  view  of  healthy,  195 

wounded,  fomenting,  13 
Legs,  cold-water  bathing  of,  14 

diseases  and  injuries  of,  175 

hand-rubbing  of,  12 

oedema  of,  217 

swelled,  217 
Lichen,  16? 

Ligament,  suspensory,  sprain  of,  216 
Liver,  atrophy  of,  130 

cancer  of,  137 

cirrhosis  of,  130 

congestion  of,  135 

diseases  of,  135 

hypertrophy  of,  130 

inflammation  of,  136 

organic  disease  of,  130 

softening  of,  137 


330 


INDEX. 


Liver,  tubercle  of,  137 
Lockjaw,  113 
Loose  box,  9 
LuDg  fever,  68 
LuDgs,  congestion  of,  73 
inflammation  of,  68 
Lymphangitis,  218,  275 


Mad  staggers.  103 
MaUeuders,  173, 174 
Mange,  IGO 
Mangers,  13 
Mark,  the,  yiO 

at  seven  years,  311 

at  eight  and  nine  years,  312 

double  at  seven  years,  314 

real  and  simulated,  314 

the  secondary,  314 
Mashes,  11 

bran, 13  , 

bread,  13 

linseed,  13 
Mayhew's  test  for  sidebones,  350 
Megrims,  108 

symptoms  and  treatroent,  109 
Membrana  nictitans,  133 
Meningitis,   cerebro-spinal,  117 
Metallic  suture  wire,  289 
Method  of  finding  corns,  328 
Molars,  305 
Moon-blindness,  137 
Mouth,  parrot,  313 
Mud  fever,  158 

Natl,  picking  up,  336 
Navicular  bone,  234 

disease,  242 
Neck,  bandage  for,  35 
Needle,  for  making  sutures,  30 

method  of  holding  in  making  sutures, 
30 
Nephritis,  141 

straddling  gait  of,  143 
Nervous  system,  diseases  of,  103 
Nettle  rash.  159 
Nose,  chronic  discharge  from,  53 

mode  of  making  application  to,  20 
Nose-bag,  for  steaming,  23 
Nursing,  9 


CEdkma,  207 

inflammatory,  218 

of  the  legs,  217 
Open  joint,  203 
Opening  the  heels.  3R3 
Ophthalmia,  periodic,  127 

simple,  124 

specific,  127 
Ossific  diathesis,  176 
Ossified  cartilages,  249 
Over  reach,  251 
Oxyuris  vermicularis,  101 
Ozena,  53 


Palst,  115 

Paralysis,  115 

Paraphimosis,  153 

Paraplegia,  115 

Parrot  mouth,  313 

Pastern,  illustrated,  334 

Pedal  bone.  234 

Penis,  inflammation  of,  147 

Peritonitis,  91 

Pharyngitis,  GO 

Phimosis,  151 

Phrenitis,  103 

Picking  up  a  nail,  226 

Process  for  clohing  sandcrack,  234 

Pink  eye,  253 

Plague,  cold,  117 

Pleura,  inflammation  of,  74 

Pleurisy,  74 

Pleuiitis,  74 

Pleuro-pneumonia,  69 

Pneumonia,  68 

Pointing,  as  a  symptom,  343 

Poisoned  wounds,  296 

Pole-evil,  301 

Polyuria,  144 

Posological  table  for  the  horse,  333 

Poultices,  23 

Powders,  23 

Prepuce,  gonorihoea  of,  147 

Prick  of  the  foot,  326 

Prurigo,  163 

sign  of,  162 
Pruritus,  163 
Psoriasis,  173 
Pulmonary  apoplexy,  73 
Punch,  for  closing  sandcrack,  234 
Punctured  wountis,  291 
Punctures  of  the  frog  and  sole,  227 
Purgatives,   over-excitation  of   the  intes- 
tines by,  95 
Purpura.  276 
Putrid  fever.  117 
Pyropuncture,  29 

Q0AKTER,  false,  2S5,  236 
Quarters,  324 
Quarter- crack,  232,  333 
Quitter,  230 

Rabies,  117 

Rarey's  strap.  No.  1,  41 

in  position,  42 

No.  3,  4.S 
Rat-tail  B,  107 

Respiratory  orgat  s.  disease  of,  51 
Retention  of  uriue,  14() 
Rey's  tube,  for  applications  to  the  nose,  20 
Rheumatism,  265 

fever.  266 

knee-joint  after,  265 
Ring-bones.  200 

illustrated,  :J01 
Ringworm,  163 
Roaring,  80 


INDEX. 


331 


Rump,  bandage  for,  37 
Rupture  of  the  stomach,  86 

Sallenders,  173,  174 
Sandcracks,  232 

clasps  for  closing,  234 

pincers  for  closing,  234 

punch  for  closing,  234 
Sarcopbes  hippopodus,  169 
Scabies,  160 
Scalds,  294 
Scarlatina,  278 
Scouring,  94 
Scratches,  154 
Seedy  toe,  237 
Sensitive  bars,  224 
Seton,  in  position,  29 
Seton-needles,  28 
Setons,  28 
Sheath,  cleaning  of,  14 

inflammation  of,  147 
Shoulder,  bandage  for,  36 
Shoulder-slip,  209 
Side  bones,  249 

Mayhew'a  test  for,  250 
Side-line,  39 

Sinews,  back,  sprain  of,  215 
Sitfasts,  15(j,  157,  158 
Skeleton  of  the  horse,  Plate  I. 
Skin,  disease  of,  154 

hand-rubbing  of,  14 
Sleepy  staggers,  103 
Slings,  32 

illustrated,  33 
Slope  of  the  teeth,  319 

at  two  and  six  years,  319 
Smell,  sense  of,  in  sick  horses,  11 
Softening  of  the  liver,  137 
Sole,  punctures  of,  227 
Sore  shins,  199 
Sore  throat,  (iO 

sequelas  of,  63 
Spasmodic  colic,  88 
Spavin,  175 
Spavin,  Plate  II. 

blood,  182 

bog,  180,  181 

symptoms.  177 
Speedy-cut,  208 
Splint,  193,  194 

symptoms,  196 

treatment,  198 
Spotted  fever,  117,  276 
Sprain  of  the  back  sinews,  215 

of  the  fetlock  joint,  214 

of  the  flexor  tendons,  215 

of  the  suspensory  ligament,  216 
Spring  hock,  187 
Staggers,  103 

symptoms,  104 

treatment,  106 
Staling,  profuse,  144 
Steaming,  22 
Stiff  joint,  202 
StiOe-joint  lameness  illustrated,  213,  214 


Stocking,  217 
Stomach,  gorged,  84 

impaction  of,  84 

intlammation  of,  86 

rupture  of,  86 

staggers,  103 
Strangles,  260,  261 

bandage  for,  263 
Strangury,  146 
Stringhalt,  111 
Sunstroke,  122 
Superpurgation,  95 
Suppression  of  urine,  146 
Surfeit,  159,  162 

Suspensory  ligament,  sprain  of,  216 
Suture,  long  and  short  stitch,  31 

twisted,  31 
Sutures,  29 
Swelled  legs,  217 
Swollen  belly,  90 
Symbiotes  equi,  170 

Tables  of  teeth,  315 

posological,  of  the  horse,  S23 
Tail,  pruritus  of,  163 
Tendons,  flexor,  tprain  of,  215 
Tetanus,  112 
Teeth,  indicators  of  age,  305 

of  a  foal,  307 

of  two  and  three  years,  308 

of  four  and  five  years,  309 

permanent,  308 

changes  in  the  crown,  315 

collateral  circumstances  to  be  taken 
into  consideration  in  judging  of  age 
by,  321 

length  of,  318 

loss  of  circularity,  320 

shape  of  crowns  in  old  age,  318 

shape  of,  in  extreme  old  age,  319 

slope  of,  319 

slope  of,  at  two  and  six  years,  319 

slope  of,  at  twelve  and  eighteen  years, 
320 

triangularity  of,  316 

triangularity  at  ten,  eleven,  and  twelve 
years,  317 

triangularity  at  sixteen,  twenty,  and 
twenty-four  years,  3 1 8 
Thermal  fever,  122 
Thick  wind.  79 
ThoLOugh  pin,  186,  191 

Truss  for,  193 
Throat,  bandage  for,  35 
Throwing,  40 
Thrush,  238 
Tinea  tonsurans,  163 
Toe,  224 

seedy,  237 
Toe-crack,  232,  233 
Tongue,    method  of  holding,  in  giving  a 

ball,  15 
Tooth,  original  form  of,  316 

showing  mark  and  fang-hole,  315 
Tread,  251 


332 


INDEX 


Treatment  of  the  horse  after  he  is  down, 

46 
Triangularity  of  the  teeth,  316 
Tricocephalus  dispar,  10  i 
Trismus,  112 
Trocau  and  canula,  269 
Truss  for  thorough-pin,  193 
Tubercle  of  the  liver,  137 
Tumors,  slight,  150 
Tusks,  321 

at  different  ages,  323 
Twitch,  mode  of  use,  39 
Twitchups,  38 
Tympanites,  90 

Ulcrrs,  299 
Urethra,  the  male,  48 
Urinary  organs,  diseases  of,  141 
Urine,  bloody,  151 

nitrogenous,  148 

retention  ot,  14G 
Urticaria,  159 

Varix,  180 
Vertigo,  108 


Warblks,  156 
Warts,  105 
Water,  fresh,  10 
Weed,  218 
Whistling.  81 
Wind,  broken,  77 

thick,  79 
Windgall,  of  the  heel,  Plate  III. 
Windgalls,  207 

internal  appearance,  Plato  III. 
Withers,  bandage  for,  30 

fistulous,  303 
Worm  in  the  eye,  184 
Worms,  100 
Wound,  cradle  to  prevent  biting,  24 

contused.  284,  289 

flesh,  283 

incised,  283 

lacerated.  283.  20(1 

of  the  abdomen.  291 

poisoned,  296 

punctured,  291 

special  treatment  for  incised,  288 

Yklloays,  the,  138 


■4 


y^U 


yj 


/£. 


A. 


/3 

77 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  IVIeclicine 
Cummings  School  of  Veterinary  IVIeclicine  at 
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